Cleaning Sand Substrate

[sheffieldlad]

Hi all,

I have sand in the bottom of one of my tanks as a substrate.
It's the first time I've used it and at some point i'm going to have to clean it, hopefully without disturbing my fish too much.

Whats the best way?

Thanks,

-Paul

 

[Noahs ark6]

I use a Gravel siphon and swirl it in a circular motion and the debris is picked and sucked up with ease

 

[pablothebetta]

Similarly to Noahs Ark6, when conducting water changes with a siphon, I just go a little above my sand and suck up any waste. It shouldn't matter if a little sand is sucked up with it

 

[sheffieldlad]

Thanks guys, Loving this forum

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Welcome to the forum sheffieldlad!

It's a pleasure to have you here.

 

[Ny82]

Ah I was wondering that myself, I want black sand in my new tank and I know it sounds silly but thought - my syphon will suck all the sand out. So just hold it above the sand slightly? I could see this going wrong for me lol

 

[Noahs ark6]

Ah I was wondering that myself, I want black sand in my new tank and I know it sounds silly but thought - my syphon will suck all the sand out. So just hold it above the sand slightly? I could see this going wrong for me lol

Lol, you'll be fine

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Ah I was wondering that myself, I want black sand in my new tank and I know it sounds silly but thought - my syphon will suck all the sand out. So just hold it above the sand slightly? I could see this going wrong for me lol

Just move down towards the sand slowly and watch what you are doing. It really isn't that hard.

 

[Ny82]

That's what they all say lol I can just picture it now, I will end up with all the sand in the bucket, bare tank, and all the plants uprooted and floating about, oh god what a mess

 

[55gal]

Don't worry about it too much. I use sand in my frog tank and even if I stick the siphon right down into the sand it only sucks a small amount out, most falls back down. But I suppose the strength of the siphon makes a difference.