Sand vacuuming question...

[cjsparky]

Was thinking I could vacuum using a siphon vacuum and clean up my sand a bit, but wanted to ask a question.

Should I ONLY do this when doing a water change, or CAN I vacuum into my sumps filter sock? I figured the 200 micron sock would catch all the junk, but I am concerned about putting bacteria into my water column...legit concern?

Christian

 

[jennm]

You can do that. We do it sometimes in our coral system if there's more detritus to pick up than there is water to be changed (if that makes sense)...

"Bacteria" are not a concern.

Jenn

 

[cjsparky]

P.S. My new Diamond Watchman is a tiny little guy, but he seems to be throwing a lot of silt into the water column for me...lol Hardest working little guy in my tank!

Edit:

JennM;715116 wrote: You can do that. We do it sometimes in our coral system if there's more detritus to pick up than there is water to be changed (if that makes sense)...

"Bacteria" are not a concern.

Jenn

Thanks Jenn,

The only reason I ask is because I hear of people talking about the dangers of stirring up a sand bed...mine is not a DSB however.

 

[dakota9]

There's actually a battery operated model of tank vacuum that does just as you describe.

It sucks gravel, filters the water, then drops the water back into the tank.

If you have a deep sand bed, I wouldn't vacuum (or disturb the substrate) any deeper than 1/2", as some say that could be an issue, but other than that, go for it!

 

[cjsparky]

Dakota9;715127 wrote: There's actually a battery operated model of tank vacuum that does just as you describe.

It sucks gravel, filters the water, then drops the water back into the tank.

If you have a deep sand bed, I wouldn't vacuum (or disturb the substrate) any deeper than 1/2", as some say that could be an issue, but other than that, go for it!

Ooh! I wonder if there are any LFS that have anything like this!