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Maintenance cleaning of grade 0 sand


beaver
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Hi there,

I have asked this question b4, but didn't really get an answer. Which is the best method to clean grade 0 sand that is already in tank for regular maintenance. The regular siphon wudn't do rite, cos the sand is so fine.

Thanks!

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It will be safer to use some cleanup crew especially if you're using a DSB .. not a good idea to disturb the anaerobic areas, which can happen if you're over-zealous with the mechanical cleaning. If you're still keen on mechanical cleaning, I bought a nifty machine some 6 years ago, it sucks up the sand, agitates it and the detritus gets sucked up into a filter bag and the water is then returned back to the tank. Downside is that the filter bag clogs up really quickly.

Another alternative, which you can use together with water changes, is to attach a transparent pvc tube to the end of a hose and siphon as usual. The heavier sand will be agitated but fall back onto the sandbed while the detritus will flow with the water out into a pail or something. #0 sand is really fine so you will have to watch the water flow - too strong and they won't have a chance to fall back to the sandbed. If that happens, try a longer length of pvc tubing.

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It will be safer to use some cleanup crew especially if you're using a DSB .. not a good idea to disturb the anaerobic areas, which can happen if you're over-zealous with the mechanical cleaning. If you're still keen on mechanical cleaning, I bought a nifty machine some 6 years ago, it sucks up the sand, agitates it and the detritus gets sucked up into a filter bag and the water is then returned back to the tank. Downside is that the filter bag clogs up really quickly.

Another alternative, which you can use together with water changes, is to attach a transparent pvc tube to the end of a hose and siphon as usual. The heavier sand will be agitated but fall back onto the sandbed while the detritus will flow with the water out into a pail or something. #0 sand is really fine so you will have to watch the water flow - too strong and they won't have a chance to fall back to the sandbed. If that happens, try a longer length of pvc tubing.

Hi DragonGoby, thanx for ur great advice! :) I reckon u have a DSB. U encounter any problems.

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