Sandbed cleaning help

johnyboy · Jan 28, 2017

Hey guys.

I'm trying to vacuum my sandbed and have the hose run back into my sump through a filter sock to catch all the dirty dust. everything is working perfect except the dust is getting through the filter sock that my LFS gave me. I was impatient and used the sock and all the dust just got through the bag and clouded my entire tank. I'm really ticked off that they gave me the wrong bag. Is there a certain micro I need for the filter sock? Or anything else I can use that will catch the dirty dust in the sand? I need something that traps extremely tiny particles obviously. I'm using the python siphon and it's doing a great job sucking the dirt out but it's getting through the sock. Help! Thanks everyone.

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twilliard · Jan 28, 2017

johnyboy said:
Hey guys.

I'm trying to vacuum my sandbed and have the hose run back into my sump through a filter sock to catch all the dirty dust. everything is working perfect except the dust is getting through the filter sock that my LFS gave me. I was impatient and used the sock and all the dust just got through the bag and clouded my entire tank. I'm really ****** off that they gave me the wrong bag. Is there a certain micro I need for the filter sock? Or anything else I can use that will catch the dirty dust in the sand? I need something that traps extremely tiny particles obviously. I'm using the python siphon and it's doing a great job sucking the dirt out but it's getting through the sock. Help! Thanks everyone.

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Go to your local craft store and pick up some felt squares. I use 12x12 squares. Use a glue gun to make the bag sealing the seams. That will catch a lot of small particulate and cells.

Darryl · Jan 28, 2017

i agree with twilliard

johnyboy · Jan 29, 2017

twilliard said:
Go to your local craft store and pick up some felt squares. I use 12x12 squares. Use a glue gun to make the bag sealing the seams. That will catch a lot of small particulate and cells.

I found a 50 micron bag. Do you think this will work? I even found a 1 micron poly felt bag. The sock I was using was definitely around 200 micron

stunreefer · Jan 29, 2017

You can get different micron ratings, the smaller the number the more they will filter out.

However, generally water is siphoned into a bucket and discarded. Replace discarded water with fresh mixed salt water. This not only dilutes nutrients built up but replenishes trace elements.

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 29, 2017

I think you'd be much happier with a canister filter, if you have a place to store it. It pulls that funk right out of the system and you can use smaller micron filters in it too, not just floss. Mine was $60 new on amazon.
I let it run over night with some carbon and or some GFO after a deep clean.

johnyboy · Jan 29, 2017

I'm doing this so I can siphon my sandbed without doing a water change. I siphon my display into the sock and then back into the sump. My water changes I do it normal but I wanted to get a method where I can do it without a water change because that would be awesome and it works I just need the correct sock. Do you guys think a 1, 5 10 or a 50 micron will be better? I found bags here at this link. Tell me if you think I can use these ?

https://utahbiodieselsupply.com/bagfilters.php#bagfelt

Or these :

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx...ilter_Media-AquaMaxx-UJ10134-FIFMMEFS-vi.html

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 29, 2017

I think that's a mistake. Stirring up the dirtyest part of the tank and not doing a water change isn't a good idea.
It's just pushing dirt around.

sawdonkey · Jan 29, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
I think that's a mistake. Stirring up the dirtyest part of the tank and not doing a water change isn't a good idea.
It's just pushing dirt around.

I think his method works just fine if he had the right filter socks. I do this to my tank all of the time. It's a real chore for me to whip up 50 gallons of SW and sometimes I just want to clean up my sandbed. I pull tons of detritus out and none of it gets through the sock.

I understand the benefits of water changes, it's just that sometimes I don't want to do one.

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 29, 2017

sawdonkey said:
50 gallons of SW

thats cool.
I was thinking like 5, 10 really. setting up my canister takes about 2. The $60 canister clears the water in about 2hrs or less. that's with cheapo blue white floss.

taintstick · Jan 29, 2017

If you are set on siphoning and letting your sock do the work then try this. Double bag the sock and the white/blue filter media, cut squares and put it above the socks. That's what I do, and no matter what it will always make your tank dirty. Oh and don't think you'll be able to do it in one shot. It's going to take several attempts.

jenkinscrew2578 · Jan 29, 2017

I do that with mine as well but only do half the tank at a time. Makes mine cloudy too, I just do it at night and usually clear the next day. I might try going to the smallest micron felt sock I can get. Adding filter pad is a good idea. I will probably try that too.

johnyboy · Jan 29, 2017

taintstick said:
If you are set on siphoning and letting your sock do the work then try this. Double bag the sock and the white/blue filter media, cut squares and put it above the socks. That's what I do, and no matter what it will always make your tank dirty. Oh and don't think you'll be able to do it in one shot. It's going to take several attempts.

I found a 1, 5, and 10 micron. What micron is your filter sock that makes your tank dirty? Because it shouldn't be that dirty if you do it right.

taintstick · Jan 29, 2017

johnyboy said:
I found a 1, 5, and 10 micron. What micron is your filter sock that makes your tank dirty? Because it shouldn't be that dirty if you do it right.

BRS 200 Micron 4"x14"

johnyboy · Jan 29, 2017

taintstick said:
BRS 200 Micron 4"x14"

Yea I found a 10 micron bag. I think this will catch all that dirty fine dust that I'm trying to get out of the sand bed. 200 micron isn't small enough to catch them. I'm going to buy it tomorrow and try again it should work. I have to choose between 1, 5 , and 10 micron not sure yet

taintstick · Jan 29, 2017

johnyboy said:
Yea I found a 10 micron bag. I think this will catch all that dirty fine dust that I'm trying to get out of the sand bed. 200 micron isn't small enough to catch them. I'm going to buy it tomorrow and try again it should work. I have to choose between 1, 5 , and 10 micron not sure yet

Give it a shot! I am curious to see how it turns out for you. I just may order myself one to try out too.

Flippers4pups · Jan 29, 2017

Yea, I stir my sand bed once a week, gently though. I also vacuum mine twice a month when I do water changes. My sand bed is shallow-1/2"-1".

johnyboy · Jan 29, 2017

taintstick said:
Give it a shot! I am curious to see how it turns out for you. I just may order myself one to try out too.

https://utahbiodieselsupply.com/bagfilters.php#bagfelt

Check that site out they are the only ones that I can find 1 or 5 micron. I think these r the same material as filter socks if I'm not mistaken