Sand Vacuuming

[TMC]

This is probably a really stupid question but how in the world do I vacuum my sand without vacuuming up my sand? I usually don't worry much about it because the snails keep it pretty well turned over but I hade a pretty bad bubble algae bloom because high phosphates now my phosphates are back down and the bubble is falling apart and all over the bottom of the tank I have tried different diameter siphons with different size hoses and I get as much sand up the tube as I do refuse. Any tricks out there?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

I kind the tube halfway so that it slows down the rate of water flow. That way I can bet the nasties out without pulling out too much sand.

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

Do it at an angle. Most of the sand will just naturally slide back down. If you see a large clump coming up..take it out of the sand.