Water change question

[reb]

When I do my 10% weekly water changes should I use my gravel siphon to vac up the sand bottom, or just water. I have about a 1-1 1/2 inch sand bottom. I have been vacuuming up the sand and water at the same time?
Also I have my power heads on a wave maker changing back and forth every 45 seconds. Does that seem like a decent amount of time?
Thanks for all the great help.

 

[pezenfuego]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Reb http:///t/393368/water-change-question#post_3498927
When I do my 10% weekly water changes should I use my gravel siphon to vac up the sand bottom, or just water. I have about a 1-1 1/2 inch sand bottom. I have been vacuuming up the sand and water at the same time?
Also I have my power heads on a wave maker changing back and forth every 45 seconds. Does that seem like a decent amount of time?
Thanks for all the great help.
Check out Snake's thread for water changes. You don't want to stir up the sand in any way. A good way to do it is to blast everything with a turkey baster and then suck up the muck.