Share your sand cleaning techniques!

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I need to do some mechanical cleaning of the sand bed. I would love to know how others have accomplished this!

 

[Maacc]

I use the small python long tube agitates the sand get almost all crap way less water.

 

[Derbird]

Good old gravel vac for the open areas. In spots the hose won't reach live in a cave I just use my fingers to stir it up. Only one small area every water change.

Besides that it's my CUC's job.

 

[Etmanning]

I just use my Kent scraper and kind of push it around to turn it over. CUC does the rest

 

[justjes45]

Hmm following along-
I use the siphon as I do a water change, but sometimes feel
It puts too much junk clouds in the water...

 

[Bentonb]

I use a Diamond Goby...

 

[Tastee]

I used a gravel cleaner siphon in the first 12 months when I did a monthly 15% WC but started to back off towards the end and haven’t given my sand a good clean in about 18 months now, just a light top clean a few times as I was getting Algae and Dinos under control (which probably did nothing).

For the past 18 months my Sand Sifter Starfish, Nassarius, 4 Cowries and 2 Trochus snails do all the cleaning I need. 65g mixed reef with 6 fish, a Hermit Crab and a Red Banded Coral Shrimp.

 

[Lasse]

I use a shrimp goby, nassarius snails and seacucumbers

Sincerely Lasse

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Had a gold headed sleeper goby for three years. I lost him a few months ago when he got sick. Had a shrimp goby get through QT, then something attacked him in the tank...not quite sure what it was, but he didn't make it. I've given up on gobies for now, and the nassarius snails aren't keeping up :/

 

[abraha]

Diamond goby

 

[spartanman22]

I stir the visible portions of my sand every 2-3 days. Been doing this for the last couple years. Only way my sand stays nice and white.