To vacuum the sand bed or not

[BARNAKEWLZ]

I am having a hard time deciding weather I should be vacuuming the 2" sand bed in my 24 gal mixed reef. I worked hard at keeping the rock work with minimal contact with the sand to prevent build up and I also have 4 lightly powered wave pumps to keep the water movement going evenly (oppose to 1 powerful fan) but as time goes on I have some mysteries that I would like some opinions on. Should I stir the sand up? Should I vacuum it? I keep getting mixed ideas. Sand is good for the bacteria.. Sand collects nitrates.. I'm torn.

 

[morpheas]

There is a thread going on at this moment and valuable info has been exchanged. I would take a look at that...
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/sand-bed-vacuuming.243846/

 

[morpheas]

Forgot to add two more on the subject that have interesting info and very relevant going on atm:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/help-is-my-sand-bed-dying.246088/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/to-vacuum-or-not-to-vacuum-sand-beds.245496/

 

[BARNAKEWLZ]

Thanks @morpheas I'll keep my eye on these.