deep sand bed

Discussion in 'Sand' started by nemo1991, May 8, 2008.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. nemo1991

    nemo1991 Millepora

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2008
    Messages:
    907
    Location:
    rocklin
    i am setting up a 135, 6 ft long, 18 inches wide,
    i am planning on having a 3-4 inch deep sand bed, what kind of clean up crew do i need to clean the sand deep down in there? i dont want anything to disrump the live rock on top though since it will be a reef.
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. R34dawn

    R34dawn Ocellaris Clown

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2008
    Messages:
    1,464
    Location:
    Garden Creek,VA
    some lawn more blenny's, sand sifter star, coral banded, sea serpent and some wrasser fish,
    like Bogie's
     
  4. reeferjo

    reeferjo Plankton

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2008
    Messages:
    22
    UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU ADD "SAND-SIFTING" ANIMALS SUCH AS BURROWING SEA STARS OR SOME GOBIES. These animals are "sifting" the sediment to eat the sand critters that you need to have thrive.
     
  5. nemo1991

    nemo1991 Millepora

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2008
    Messages:
    907
    Location:
    rocklin
    then what should i add?
     
  6. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    Messages:
    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    I'd worry about that if you didn't have a DSB.
     
  7. reeferjo

    reeferjo Plankton

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2008
    Messages:
    22
    1 person likes this.
  8. Click Here!

  9. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2004
    Messages:
    9,219
    Location:
    CT
    3-4" does not a deep sand bed make. For a "true" deep sand bed, you need at least 6" of sand. That being said, for my own reasons, I would never use a deep sand bed in my systems. Been there, done that, still have the post card. Also, I don't like to have rock sit on top of the sand in any aquarium. All it takes is one burrowing animal to send your rockwork crashing down.
     
  10. nunch

    nunch Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2008
    Messages:
    596
    Location:
    Weston, Florida
    I agree, my tanks only about 6 months old but my sand is super clean. I have about 3-4" sand bed. I use about 15 hermits to do my dirty work. My clown also fans the sand w/ his tail all day long. In addition to that, I give it a very slight stir, more like a fanning, every time I do a water change, just to get some of the bigger particles suspended so they can be sucked out.
     
  11. Iraf

    Iraf Snowflake Eel

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2008
    Messages:
    2,389
    Location:
    Tulsa, Ok
    i use snails, but when i sit in my rocks i put them on the glass then poor the sand around them, alot more stable, i usually never go more than 3" deep either though
     
  12. nunch

    nunch Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2008
    Messages:
    596
    Location:
    Weston, Florida
    Yeah I use snails too, but i rarely see them on the sand. Either on glass or rock.