Sifting/Siphoning sand during water changes

[smhray]

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if I should be siphoning my sand bed during water changes. I've heard mixed responses to this topic and I'm just looking for any better advice. I have a 13.5 gallon fluval evo with a 1.5-2" sandbed.

 

[EvilLucky6]

Sandbed is a poop collector.
It needs cleaning

 

[4tanks]

Yes just a tickle off the top layer don't go stirring the hell out of it and sucking up all the pods etc that live in it

 

[Tamberav]

Yes...siphon it. Not just the top layer. It's going to collect a lot of crap and turn into a cyano factory in a 13g. Clean it every water change.

 

[MrDLHughesY]

Yes...siphon it. Not just the top layer. It's going to collect a lot of crap and turn into a cyano factory in a 13g. Clean it every water change.

I have the same tank also I clean my on every water change as otherwise you will suffer with nitrates and they will be uncontrollable

 

[Billdogg]

IMHO, yes, the sandbed should be cleaned, but no more than about 1/3 to 1/2 each water change. That allows the infauna from the uncleaned portion to repopulate the freshly cleaned area.

A Python Siphon that hooks up to a faucet works extremely well for this. I have been using one every water change for over 30 years and cannot imagine a water change without.

 

[mike550]

Same here. I use a python and go deep into the sand every couple of water changes. I usually clean about half of the sand each time.