i just did a major water change using a "modified" syphon. before i was trying to suck it off the bottom with my conventional fish tank syphon which did not have the power to pull it from the sand. next i tried using a turkey baster to suck up small individual pieces which worked but took FOREVER. how i had success this time was to remove the larger diameter portion of my syphon and use just the 1/2" thick tube and it worked like a charm. the consistent diameter allowed for a higher rate of suction. alot of sand came up with it but i just rinsed it and returned it to the tank. substrate looks great for now. still need to get a final answer about how i can avoid it coming back after a major cleaning like this....pics will follow shortly
