Sifting Subtrate?

[shnabbles]

How often do you guys stir up the manually?
Iv been running my fingers around just sifting the top inch or so around, i do this before every water chance, I do 5% water changes every week.
Should i be doing this or not?

 

[ophiura]

What sort of substrate do you have?
If crushed coral, it should, IMO, be siphoned regularly.
If sand (especially a deep sand bed) then IMO, no, you do not want to do this. You should develop various critters that do it. If you have an algae issue that is causing you to do this, then you should address that specifically (eg nitrate levels, tap water, lighting, circulation).