Make it sparkle

Rmckoy · Mar 10, 2020

After years of reef keeping ,
A few simple routines have always been mentioned when it comes to general husbandry
Do not over feed ,
Maintain frequent water changes , do not dose what can’t be tested etc .
After battling high nitrates for some time .
I was advised of how good it is to remove and siphon old sand 2x per year and replace with new .
Has anyone ever removed all the sand without any issues ?
Is removing sand actually a thing ? Years and years of being told do not disturb the sand ...

Mhart032 · Mar 10, 2020

Its been recommend to vac the sand during water changes, but i wouldn't remove it all together, (not saying it will) but it has caused some tanks to crash. Ive seen where its caused dinos and other bacterial issues and algae outbreaks of the worst kind. I personally wouldn't do it, but if i did id do it a little at a time if i did. I vac my sand every once in a while when i see a build up, but its been sense recently after researching that it is beneficial to do so.

Fishy212 · Mar 10, 2020

Removal of the sand bed will cause spikes in your levels. You will start releasing trapped gasses and detritus and it may become toxic. If you want a clean sand bed I think you should consider a sand sifting goby of some kind.
Good luck !

Rmckoy · Mar 10, 2020

My sand bed isn’t that bad considering I’ve see a lot worse .
I have a sand sifting goby that keeps it looking good .

Higher nitrates was the issue at the time , I was told I would never get them down without removing sand .....

Lazy reefer was the problem , after losing 10 years of growing corals losing interest happens .
ive recently started getting back into it .

LardLad · Mar 10, 2020

Ultimate Sand Rinse Thread

Yes, sand removal and cleaning is definitely a thing. I have found it to be the most profoundly healthful thing for your reef tank. Nothing else compares to "Rip Cleaning" your sand bed for the longevity and brilliance of your tank.

It is by far the best way to take command of your tank's health.

Please feel free to PM me if you like.

LardLad · Mar 10, 2020

If you want to be the one in control of your reef instead of the diatoms or the dinos or the algae or the FILL IN THE BLANK , and you want to be re-invigorated with an interest for the hobby, I strongly urge you to check out the link I posted above.

Most of the advice given about this topic is largely based on myth.
It will totally change the way you think about reefing.