Sand Beds

[bhanson]

What is an ideal depth for a sand bed and should they be cleaned periodically? What is the best way to control phosphate in the sand bed? In the past few months I have noticed my sand bed becoming dirty, along with a small cyano layer about half way down into the bed. I have a new goby now, maybe that will help. I test the water routinely and everything is normal, I just want nicer sand.

I am considering removing the sand and going with a bare bottom :?

 

[Anonymous]

I am considering removing the sand and going with a bare bottom

That's what I am doing in my new 300G reef.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

I finally had to remove mine as well, it had become quite dirty.

If I do one in the future I am going to vaccum a section of it every time I do a water change.

 

[bhanson]

Does vacuming the sandbed cause any damage to the biological system?

 

[Anonymous]

Some people claim it does, but I disagree.

I had started vacuuming an old sand bed of mine in small sections periodically, and saw a great increase in worm tracks and other sand bed life afterwards. It was as if the cleaned section became revitalized.

 

[MitchMc]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/7/aafeature

 

[WRASSER]

usually it is from over feeding and the food gets covered up by the sand and forms the layers