Sand as a substrate

[ChickenScratch930]

Hi,

I would like to use sand as a substrate in a crab tank, but am unsure how to clean it. I have heard that anaerobic bacteria can build up in deep sand and cause dangerous chemicals to form.

So my question is what is the maitenance that you do to keep your sand clean and safe?


Thanks, Seth.

 

[Spyderdf]

Take a stick or something and movei t around in thw sand every once in a while to prevent the build ups.

And for vacuming, i just hover my gravel vac over the sand just close enought so it picks up the debris but doesnt pick up all the sand


EDIT: BTW welcome to TFF

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Hi there .
I just stir my sand up with my hands once a week and make sure it gets thoroughly done so, if you put your hand in your sand and its rock hard or going that way or you see bubbles forming in it, time to stir it up . Afterwards just do a small water change with dechlorinator and all will be well .

 

[ChickenScratch930]

Ok thanks for the welcome and the info

 

[Teelie]

One idea I've had for stirring deep sand is to use a comb or small rake to dig through the sand. It'll work better and faster than your fingers plus you don't get sand under your nails.

 

[LoachLover]

just hold the vac just above the the sand and it should clean it up fine.