Question reguarding water changes? Vacume?

[spankey]

I have a 20 gallon nano and was curious about two things...
One I read that when you top off the tanks you should only use freshwater seeing how the salt content never evaporates? This is true right? Freshwater only for top off?
Two how do you guys with nanos do water changes? Just remove tank water, or do you skim the bottom? What I am getting at is in my 2 freshwater tanks, I vacume the crap off the bottom while cleaning the tank?
Do any of you vacume the bottoms of the tank? I would think not seeing how we mostly have live sand beds? Where does all that "fish crap" go? How do you get it out?
Can anyone answer me these two simple questions??
Thanks
Spankey

 

[skrimpz]

you don't vaccum if you have sand but you should if you have cc becuase there is matter that can get lost down in it ( which can make your ammonia and nirate-rits go up)

 

[bigarn]

#1 Yes, topoff with fresh water only ( RO or RO/DI )
#2 I recommend 10% weekly waterchanges. Just siphon out the old water and add the new. (saltwater)
You shouldn't have to vacuum the sandbed if you have a good clean up crew. Hermits, snails etc. Also, the critters in the sandbed will take care of waste, unless you overfeed the fish and they can't keep up.

 

[spankey]

Bigarn
I have seen your tank and it is totally awesome.. But now let me understand something... Snails and hermits will actually eat the fish's waste???
I do have two turbo snails and six hermits... I do need more... How many should I have for a 20 gallon high?
Currently I have as follows
2 Yellow tailed blue damsels
1 red lipped blenny
2 turbo snails
6 blue legged hermits
Can I add more snails.. I really want to get some Nassarius snails..They are so pretty looking and neat to watch. I think for now I have enough hermits.. What do you think...
Thanks
Spankey

 

[spankey]

Oh yeah I forgot I also have 1 peppermint shrimp too...
Spank....

 

[bigarn]

I should've been clearer.... the hermits will eat excess food, turbos mainly clean the glass and rocks. Nassarius snails will turn the sandbed as they bury themselves and come out of the sand. The critters in the LR and sandbed will help with the waste. Bristleworms, pods etc.