Changing my substrate

[dchaos52]

Well, my 120 gallon tank currently has black sand in it, but due to its color it ALWAYS seems to look dirty, which really annoys me... the water quality is perfect but it just looks un-clean due to the sand. Is there any "easy" way to change the substrate out?

Thanks.

 

[shoefreak03]

just stick the hose in and syphon the sand out.

 

[dchaos52]

alright, ill try that, it just seems like my hose doesnt have enough suction... dunno ill try again i guess

 

[Raul-7]

I don't see how that will work if you're using a regular gravel cleaner like the Python unless you turn your faucet on full blast to maximize the vacuuming effect. Then again how will you stop the sand from going down the drain.

 

[dchaos52]

exactly my point... its a dilemma, but i could put a bucket in the faucet in order to catch any sand... but another dilemma... i dont have a faucet near my room.... ughhhh

 

[skiptomyzoo]

If you drained all the water, you could just scoop it up into a bucket or something and keep doing it like that. I don't see why a regular wet/dry shop vac wouldn't work then to get the rest, although I have never done it.

 

[janev]

Well, my 120 gallon tank currently has black sand in it, but due to its color it ALWAYS seems to look dirty, which really annoys me... the water quality is perfect but it just looks un-clean due to the sand. Is there any "easy" way to change the substrate out?

Thanks.

Before you take out your black sand because it looks dirty. What are you going to use as substrate? White sand? I am asking this because it is going to be a lot of work to take out the sand and you might be better off just leaving in the black sand.

I have the black Tahittan moon sand and it looks pretty good to me.
I did mix in some coral sand (white) added some large pebbles to give more contrast to the sand.

Why don't you try to mix your sand with some other colored sand and/or add rocks before you decide to get rid of it?

Here is a picture of the sand rocks & coral.

The fish and turtle have moved around the substrate to what is shown in the picture.

Please excuse the misty look to the water. The tank as a power head that is blowing fine bubbles around.

Hope this helps you.

By the way, to get your sand out is get a small dustpan and scoop the sand out into a small pail in the tank and get it out that way. Still back & arm breaking work.