Removing Sand

[goody]

I'm looking to reaquascape and take out most of my sandbed. What is the best way to do this without putting too much stress on corals and fish? I'm hoping I don't have to completely empty out the tank and scoop the sand out. Can I use a wet/dry shop vac? I do have some large 30g "tupperware" tubs that I use for water changes that I can put my corals, rocks and fish into if need be. Thanks for any input. BTW, I have a 90g with about a 4in. sandbed.

 

[Nick_kun]

I think the best way is to siphon out sand every water changes. This way you won't disturb the microfauna too much or stir in some of those pockets of bacteria and nutrients.

 

[goody]

I think the best way is to siphon out sand every water changes. This way you won't disturb the microfauna too much or stir in some of those pockets of bacteria and nutrients.

If I take all the coral out of the tank, but leave the fish, will the bacteria and nutrients have a big impact on them? Tank have to go through a new cycle? I would like to do this in one shot. Besides, my siphon hose doesn't pick up the sand very well at all.

 

[pVARG_reefer]

i would take a little out at a time... wont have to pull anything out and less chance of a nitrate spike:top:

 

[Nick_kun]

I would setup a tempt tank to hold the corals and possibly the fish for a few days until you can test the water and make sure that there are no spikes in your params.

 

[MechaSamurai]

most siphon hoses are designed with a big opening relative to their tube to PREVENT you from sucking up your substrate. If you want to suck out the sand with water changes I'd suggest just using a basic tube, you may be able to pop off the head from your current siphon setup or you could get/use almost any tubing.

A word of caution, if you use the tubs consider the fact that water is heavy and if you fill the tub even half way it will be over 100lbs; I use 5 gallon buckets so I can never drain more than I can carry.

 

[goody]

I would setup a tempt tank to hold the corals and possibly the fish for a few days until you can test the water and make sure that there are no spikes in your params.

Are you now saying I can take most of it out as long as I do this temp. tank setup? And if not, then how much could I take out during water changes without getting a nitrate spike?