Tank just won't stabilize

[bruno3047]

Vacuum the sandbed removes the surrounding detritus but leaves the beneficial bacteria that grows on and in the sand behind. Replacing the sand will cause a drop in beneficial bacteria which can cause a cycling event.

If you’re worried about having a cycle, you can replace the sand in increments. But that’s not the same thing as cleaning the sand in increments and then just putting it back into the tank. The sand is now loaded with nutrients and putting it back into the tank will just release those nutrients back into the water. I hope you understand this now.

 

[Shooter6]

If you’re worried about having a cycle, you can replace the sand in increments. But that’s not the same thing as cleaning the sand in increments and then just putting it back into the tank. The sand is now loaded with nutrients and putting it back into the tank will just release those nutrients back into the water. I hope you understand this now.

Any nutrients that will travel through the sandbed will do so with the new sand as well. Only thing your guaranteed to remove with the replacing of the sand vs siphoning the original, is beneficial bacteria.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

If you’re worried about having a cycle, you can replace the sand in increments.

BTW. Water travels within the sand bed. So if you clean one section today, by tomorrow it will have rotten water in it again. Also, sand expires its usefulness, and if left in rotten water conditions for too long, needs to be changed. Google it.

Hmmm....

 

[bruno3047]

Hmmm....

Nutrients travel from the most concentrated locations to the less concentrated locations. The most concentrated location in this instance is the sand itself. Does that help clear things up for you?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Nutrients travel from the most concentrated locations to the less concentrated locations. The most concentrated location in this instance is the sand itself. Does that help clear things up for you?

I'm perfectly clear. You are the one posting contradictions.

 

[Shooter6]

Nutrients travel from the most concentrated locations to the less concentrated locations. The most concentrated location in this instance is the sand itself. Does that help clear things up for you?

So in your explanation it would mean your sectional sand change would be pointless, as the detritus would travel to the new sand contaminating it before you could get the entire bed changed.

An endless cycle of changing sand.

That can only equal vacuuming the original sandbed in conjunctions with water changes.

Changing the sandbed will not stop precipitation events either.

The only time a sandbed change is recommended is if the sandbed calcified and turns into solid rock.

I hope anyone trying to decide which recommendations have more validity go back to the pictures post you had made and received responses to.

 

[ChaetoFarm_Kai]

Get a turf scrubber, trust me … they’re magical

 

[bruno3047]

So in your explanation it would mean your sectional sand change would be pointless, as the detritus would travel to the new sand contaminating it before you could get the entire bed changed.

An endless cycle of changing sand.

That can only equal vacuuming the original sandbed in conjunctions with water changes.

Changing the sandbed will not stop precipitation events either.

The only time a sandbed change is recommended is if the sandbed calcified and turns into solid rock.

I hope anyone trying to decide which recommendations have more validity go back to the pictures post you had made and received responses to.

Except that you’re assuming that sand becomes contaminated on contact. That’s not how it works. The sand must be submerged in the dirty water for a considerable period of time before it becomes saturated. In any case, I posted from my wealth of knowledge to try to help the OP. As you still have not posted a picture of your tank, I can’t tell if you’re posting from knowledge, or if you just posting because you feel like posting. I’m perfectly content with my tank. If you’re as content with your tank as I am with mine, then neither one of us has a problem. Have a nice life.

 

[bruno3047]

I'm perfectly clear. You are the one posting contradictions.

You think they’re contradictions because you didn’t understand them. And apparently, you still don’t understand them even after I explained them to you in children’s terms. In any case, I’m happy with my tank. If you’re as happy with your tank as I am with mine, then neither one of us has a problem. Have a nice life

 

[Shooter6]

Except that you’re assuming that sand becomes contaminated on contact. That’s not how it works. The sand must be submerged in the dirty water for a considerable period of time before it becomes saturated. In any case, I posted from my wealth of knowledge to try to help the OP. As you still have not posted a picture of your tank, I can’t tell if you’re posting from knowledge, or if you just posting because you feel like posting. I’m perfectly content with my tank. If you’re as content with your tank as I am with mine, then neither one of us has a problem. Have a nice life.

You must not remember I posted 2 of my tanks. The bare bottom 8x3x2 400g, and the sand bed 6x2x2 180g. I believe I posted at least 6 pictures with some close ups of the livestock as well.

There is nothing in the op sandbed that vacuuming and water changes will not solve.
Where as a sand bed change will only cause more unstable conditions due to loosing beneficial bacteria. Pics speak for themselves in this case!

 

[Shooter6]

I’d be curious to see a photograph of your tank. As it is today. Here’s mine:

Yours

 

[Shooter6]

Mine hopefully you can see these ones this time!

 

[Peace River]

It appears that this thread has run its course and after multiple nudges and warnings we have decided to close this thread. Please remember that R2R was founded on the simple premise to develop a warm, friendly, suitable place to gather and discuss this hobby for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. The “Be Nice” policy is something we take very seriously. Please work to separate the problem from the people and focus on addressing the problem.

We highly encourage healthy debate here and understand not everyone will agree on all issues. In fact, we value healthy and even lively discussion of hobby issues and questions...this actually leads to advancements in our hobby, so we ALL win through these debates. What we will not tolerate is the negativity, name calling, belittling attitude towards other members or the topics being discussed. We are not asking you to cease debating your positions. What we are asking is that you do so in a healthy, respectful manner.