vacuuming sand

[bbortko]

I'm new to sand and was wondering if the weekly water change with monthly vacuuming routine for gravel still applies. I know that the water changes won't change so the question reaaly pertains to the vacuuming for example can I vacuum but not disturb the sand when doing water changes or should I just change out the water?

 

[Heathd]

I do vacuum my sand, but I dont dig into it like I do with rocks, I just gently skim across the surface. Most of the junk stays on top of the sand anyways, and after I clean the sand, I take a fork and "comb" it, to disturb any potential gas pockets that may be trying to form.

That last part might be completely unnecasary, but I have heard otherwise. You also may end up removing a little bit of sand, but you can always clean it really well and add it back, or take some clean sand from a bag and add back what you removed.

 

[pengu13]

i agree with Heathd just skim the top. i do use a bucket when cleaning my sand so any sand i suck up i just wash let dry and add back to the tank.

 

[BrightSun]

This was helpful to me, too, since I'm thinking of putting sand in my new tank. Thanks!

 

[bbortko]

Thanks, I think was disturbing too much sand which lead to my water becoming hazy