1 Year Old Tank - Vacuum Sand?

[sanzz18]

My tank is approaching 1 years old next month. With a kid thrown in the mix 9 months ago, some of my maintenance got away from me, specifically vacuuming the sanded. My sanded is 1.5-2". I have not vacuumed the sand since my dinos outbreak at my tanks 3rd month. For the purpose of stirring the sand, I have had in the tank: a sand sifting starfish, 2 fighting conches, various snails including nassarius, and a diamond goby. My tank is a 6ft x2ft Waterbox.

Because it has been almost 9 months of no vacuuming, do I let the sand be managed by the tank inhabitants or should I start vacuuming again?

 

[HB AL]

If it's not causing problems I wouldn't touch it.

 

[brahm]

I try to vacuum sections every water change. Can go either way some folks never touch theirs. I prefer BB (for maintenance ) tanks and treat my sand like it’s cosmetic only so I vacuum or stir it up on a regular basis to make sure things aren’t settling. If that’s your jam no time better than a wc to get after it.

 

[gbroadbridge]

My tank is approaching 1 years old next month. With a kid thrown in the mix 9 months ago, some of my maintenance got away from me, specifically vacuuming the sanded. My sanded is 1.5-2". I have not vacuumed the sand since my dinos outbreak at my tanks 3rd month. For the purpose of stirring the sand, I have had in the tank: a sand sifting starfish, 2 fighting conches, various snails including nassarius, and a diamond goby. My tank is a 6ft x2ft Waterbox.

Because it has been almost 9 months of no vacuuming, do I let the sand be managed by the tank inhabitants or should I start vacuuming again?

Just vacuum 10-20% a week like normal maintenance.

If it's going into a bucket and being discarded it's not going to harm anything.


Regards
Graham.

 

[sanzz18]

If it's not causing problems I wouldn't touch it.

Does not appear to be causing any issues. The goes a great job at turning over the entire top layer

I try to vacuum sections every water change. Can go either way some folks never touch theirs. I prefer BB (for maintenance ) tanks and treat my sand like it’s cosmetic only so I vacuum or stir it up on a regular basis to make sure things aren’t settling. If that’s your jam no time better than a wc to get after it.

The only issue with me, for ease of maintenance, my water changes are mostly done with apex/dos daily. I like how easy maintenance is on BB tanks, but I can’t have no sand in my tank. I had one on one of my first tanks years ago. I love the very natural look of sand and feel as though it completes it.

Just vacuum 10-20% a week like normal maintenance.

If it's going into a bucket and being discarded it's not going to harm anything.


Regards
Graham.

What do people do who do automatic daily water changes and are able to take care of the sand as well?

 

[SPR1968]

I’ve never vacuumed the sand bed in either of my systems, I can’t see any reason why you would it’s all part of the ecosystem so I think you will be fine

 

[NowGlazeIT]

I do mine at least 1-2 times a year. It helps keep detritus down.

 

[Little c big D]

That's not really a super deep bed, and with sand sifters I can't see there being a build up of anything. If it has unsightly detritus or something vac that up but I don't consider it a must

 

[AlgaeBarn]

I would say to leave it alone if you are not having any issues. If you are still wanting to then divide your sand bed by 4-8 sections and only do one section per water change and keep rotating

 

[brahm]

If it bothers you wait until you do a manual water change and do it then, if not leave it alone. If at some point you have uncontrollable nutrients levels start replacing it in sections. I wouldn’t over think it. I’ve done bare bottom, deep, shallow disturbed & undisturbed. Bare bottom was the easiest for me but I have sand now that I can’t help but disturb because the flow I like for my corals isn’t compatible with my sand. But I, like you, like the look of it. Since it’s getting moved anyways I siphon it & stir it up.

 

[Billldg]

Their are 2 different opinions, and, they both are right. I personally, like to vacuum my sand to try to make sure I don't have a detritus dump down the road. If you want to vacuum the sand, I would only do small sections at a time. Maybe cut your sand bed into 4 or 8 sections, and do 1 section every week or every other week.