I have always had gravel substrate in my aquariums. I am trying Super Naturals Black Tahitian Moon Sand for a new aquarium, an dI can't seem to make much progress on cleaning the sand. First, as soon as I put the gravel vacuum in the water the fish freak out and kick up the poop. I just spent about 15 minutes vacuuming my 46 gallon and took out half the water. It still looks like crap!! And, the water is really cloudy from the sand. Do I need to turn off my filter too? For how long?
I suck at gravel vacuuming sand
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To clarify, I tried putting it parallel to the sand, and at a 45 degree angle. I removed the gravel filter on the end of the python. The problem wasn't scooping it where I saw it though, just finding it (I think it was mostly stirred into the water and settled when I was done)
personally, I just stir up the sand before suck the water out. And for the pieces that dont make it to the sump, I hold the tube a few inches off the sand.
I've never had problems with that technique.
I've never had problems with that technique.
Well I did it twice more. It just looks a little dirty now, not filthy disgusting. I'm a bit concerned because I have 160lbs of this stuff in my trunk and was planning on putting it in my new aquarium tomorrow.
I really find it satisfying to get everything when vacuuming (I remove all the decoration and gravel vac until the aquarium is half empty). Hopefully I'll get a little better at it.
I really find it satisfying to get everything when vacuuming (I remove all the decoration and gravel vac until the aquarium is half empty). Hopefully I'll get a little better at it.
Just takes practice to master that art of sand vacuuming. Keep it a couple inches above the sand and make a slight swirling motion. The detrious should lift off of the sand and go up the vac.
Pretty easy to do with PFS (pool filter sand) not sure how heavy the Moon sand is...
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/videos/cleaning_sand.php
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/videos/cleaning_sand.php