To gravel vac or not?

ReefWithCare · Aug 11, 2018

Hi there

I’m in the process of building up my tank. I have fish and a 2” special grade reef sand bed by Caribsea.

I only have Macro Rock and pods right now - no corals yet. At this point should I leave my sand bed alone since I don’t have anything to stir the sand? I have CUC and I’m kinda stuck since I cant QT my inverts at the moment.

theKoolAidMan · Aug 11, 2018

If you're fully cycled and parameters are stable and you feel the sand is getting dirty to the point that your CUC isn't keeping up, then absolutely go right ahead. However if you're still cycling absolutely do not, as vacuuming means a water change and you don't want to do a water change until after your cycle is complete unless ammonia levels get to the point where your fish you have are in danger.

I'm going to assume that because you said you have fish that your tank is cycled, so if you feel a gravel vac would help things look good, go for it!

ReefWithCare · Aug 11, 2018

theKoolAidMan said:
If you're fully cycled and parameters are stable and you feel the sand is getting dirty to the point that your CUC isn't keeping up, then absolutely go right ahead. However if you're still cycling absolutely do not, as vacuuming means a water change and you don't want to do a water change until after your cycle is complete unless ammonia levels get to the point where your fish you have are in danger.

I'm going to assume that because you said you have fish that your tank is cycled, so if you feel a gravel vac would help things look good, go for it!

Hi there,

Yes it’s cycled and I’m starting to have coraline grow. Just don’t have a CUC [emoji28]

Parameters have been stable. I’ve been around 0.15 for phosphates and about 10 for nitrates. It’s mostly aesthetics and concern that the sand could have nasty stuff because nothing is in there except the wrasses when they go to sleep.

theKoolAidMan · Aug 11, 2018

ReefWithCare said:
Hi there,

Yes it’s cycled and I’m starting to have coraline grow. Just don’t have a CUC [emoji28]

Missed that CUC part. If you don't have a CUC then essentially you will be relying on your filtration systems and your gravel vac to be the CUC! Get the hoover out!