Replacing Sand Bed

[DarrenUnwin]

Hi,

I have had my tank now for 4.5 years and my sand bed (1-2 inches) is starting to fill up with dirt and whilst I syphone it off best i can by disturbing it at water change I never manage to get it all out, so my question is

If I syphon out the sand and detriment together back to the base glass and then added fresh live sand, would this cause a mini cycle in the tank.

#43###

 

[-Nemo-]

Disturbing the sand band by itself may cause an ammonia spike + you would removing so many organisms which live in the sand band. I wouldn't recommend it... Get something to sift your sand instead.

 

[DarrenUnwin]

Hi Nemo,

Thanks for taking time out from looking after the little ones

I've tried sand sifting starfish and struggled to keep them , is there any other inverts etc you would recommend (reasonably priced)

Cheers

Hi Nemo again

No need to reply, I have just seen the topic about five slots down dooh.

Will post if I need help.

 

[ben1987]

i replace my sand bed all teh time, like an ongoing thing. As an old sand bed is linked to old tank syndrome - basically all the crap that gets stuck in it lowers watwer quality over time. So when i water change i siphon off the top layer with all the crap, then add some new stuff when it gets a bit thin

 

[-Nemo-]

i replace my sand bed all teh time, like an ongoing thing. As an old sand bed is linked to old tank syndrome - basically all the crap that gets stuck in it lowers watwer quality over time. So when i water change i siphon off the top layer with all the crap, then add some new stuff when it gets a bit thin

Aye but that's different than taking it all out at once!
I also read, on here I believe, that disrupting your sand bed when you are not in the habit of doing so more than often releases ammonia. Any experience Ben?

 

[ben1987]

More connected to DSBs i think! I only ever have an inch or two

 

[herrrerrera]

can he just add new sand?

 

[jtnova13]

How big is your tank? If it's not a nano and you have a deeper sand bed 3 inches or so, i'd recommend a diamond goby. Those things will keep your sand looking pristine! Just get a cover or something for your tank because they are jumpers!

That said, i'd replace it little by little instead of all at once!

 

[Kgforlife]

Disturbing the sand band by itself may cause an ammonia spike + you would removing so many organisms which live in the sand band. I wouldn't recommend it... Get something to sift your sand instead.

every week i mix my sand bed with a stick before i take 10%water out would that cause an ammonia spike