Sand/Gravel/Corals?

[Spooky_Whizz]

I have 40lb of super-fine white live sand but you cannot really vaccum because all you get is sand and of course you dont want to suck all the sand out during every water change. i do not have any fish in there right now. should i add some live florida crushed coral or bigger grain size sand to mix it up. OR if you can suggest, how do you keep sand clean if you have same situation? i did have snails before to clean sand. not sure if that works as good as cleaning it.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I have 40lb of super-fine white live sand but you cannot really vaccum because all you get is sand and of course you dont want to suck all the sand out during every water change. i do not have any fish in there right now. should i add some live florida crushed coral or bigger grain size sand to mix it up. OR if you can suggest, how do you keep sand clean if you have same situation? i did have snails before to clean sand. not sure if that works as good as cleaning it.

It depends on what you keep. Sugar size sand will blow everywhere and create a sand storm in a reef tank do to the required flow for most corals.

As far as vacuuming it, syphon a little and stop the flow allowing the sand to fall back down and repeat. It’s tough to do, but can be done.

Adding more course sand grains to the sugar size will end up with the sugar size still moving and blowing everywhere.

Special grade size sand is best for most reef tanks.