Do People Vacuum Their Substrate and Why?

[RussC]

I am installing a utility sink just so I can begin using a python siphon system to assist with speeding up my water changes! Which got me thinking about vacuuming my substrate.

For 7 months my water changes involve my sump water only. When I get my python siphon, is there an advantage/benefit to siphoning my substrate?

 

[Oleshp]

Following along, I'm curious of other's opinions as well.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Nutrient controll.
Food and poop hit the sand and rot. It builds up over time.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I rarely vacuumed my fine aragonite substrate, and when I did, it was usually intended to just take detritus off the top.

 

[Brew12]

I'm a fan of vacuuming my sand. I put in more sand than I probably should have and don't have much in the way of sand sifters yet. I vacuum it regularly to try and prevent any potentially negative impacts from a large nutrient buildup.

 

[erky]

I do not vacuum my sand bed, I feel that my diamond goby and clean up crew turn it over enough. Flow keeps it moving as well.

 

[Doclight]

I vacuum sand. Keeps the fish poop from building up. However, if you have a GREAT clean up crew, you may not need to.

 

[RussC]

I have various parts of the substrate that have algae. It comes and goes. That got me thinking about the vacuum too. It sounds like it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot, if for no other reason than to give it a quick face lift.

 

[cumbeje]

I vacuum my sand probably about once or twice a year. I do stir my sand every few weeks. My thought is it helps get rid of pockets of excessive detritus that builds up over time. I also blast the rocks with a power head maybe once every 2 months. It's all about exporting nutrients and this is a way to get some out and keep tank stable. My nitrates are around 4-8 ppm and I try to keep my phosphates between .04-.08.