Questions Regarding Sand

[IsThatDave]

Firstly i use sand as my substrate and i have 2 fluval 4 internal filters in my tank, i notice that when i go to clean my sponges the filters are very hard to open due to the fact sand has got into the filters, sand is much better than gravel though isnt it? especially when you have cory's, pleco's, kulhii's and frogs etc.

Also how do you keep sand clean? can you just use a normal gravel vac?

Obviously having gravel is easier to look after but sand is better, i just need some advice on how to try and stop my filters clogging up with sand and how to keep it clean.

 

[fishwatcher]

Maybe the intake on the filters are just too close to the substrate. I'd try to keep them at least 2 inches away from it.
You can use a normal vac on it, just be careful not to suck up the sand. Swirl the vac tube in small circles to lift the gunk up, then suck it up. With a little practice it'll be easy for you.

 

[IsThatDave]

Maybe the intake on the filters are just too close to the substrate. I'd try to keep them at least 2 inches away from it.
You can use a normal vac on it, just be careful not to suck up the sand. Swirl the vac tube in small circles to lift the gunk up, then suck it up. With a little practice it'll be easy for you.

Thanks for the message, yes the filter was fairly close to the sand so i have moved it right up now to try and stop it getting clogged up again.