Siphoning vs sandsifter
- Thread starter Shilpan
- Start date
Better not to siphon sandbed at all since that disturbs the beneficial bacteria that you need to maintain a stable tank. If you do have sand, not something like crushed coral, then try developing your sandbed with creatures that like to keep things clean there. They will sift the sand for food, and do a much better job than your hose can of maintaining a healthy sandbed.
You need to cultivate the sandbed "critters" to be sure that there is enough movement of the sand and, of course, eating up of leftovers. Make sure the bottom of the tank gets good water movement. Nassarius snails are a good choice for sandbeds. I'm assuming you have live rock so you'll already have some detritivores coming from the rock.
Long article if you're up for it.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-03/rs/
Long article if you're up for it.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-03/rs/
Awesome thank you! I've already got some things like random slugs and snails, bristle stars, some random teeny tiny worms, isopods and copepods. The refugium really helps but I'm definitely gonna work on improving the life in my sandbed.
The only annoying thing is I can't get live sand here (biosecurity thing importing it in). So I have to rely on whatever comes in on live rock and corals
Appreciate your advice I'll have a read of that
The only annoying thing is I can't get live sand here (biosecurity thing importing it in). So I have to rely on whatever comes in on live rock and corals
Appreciate your advice I'll have a read of that
Most purchased live sand is not "live" in the sense that it is going to give you something beneficial for your sandbed in the way of living creatures--except for the biological filter.
Also, do research on all you want to add. Some things are harmful and some are predatory. Really the list in that article is a good start and the nass snails are super cleaners, IMO.
Also, do research on all you want to add. Some things are harmful and some are predatory. Really the list in that article is a good start and the nass snails are super cleaners, IMO.