Do you ever vacuum your substrate?

[Jedi1199]

Back in the old freshwater days, it was common practice to "Vacuum the gravel" Since moving on to saltwater, I have never really seen this as a topic. As I am working to reduce Phosphates and Nitrates, I am wondering if it would be a good idea to vacuum my substrate or not? I am leaning towards no but would appreciate any feedback you all can give me.

 

[PPBlimpy]

When I do a water swap I will vacuum approx 10% of my sand, This is in the center front of my tank where flow is lower and I can see stuff build up. I also only take the top layer.

Most sand can / should be maintain by clean up crew. I have a horseshoe crab that is a little bulldozer along with other CUC.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Whenever I do water changes I try to vacuum up some of the algae that is on the sand bed

 

[fishywishy]

If I have some algae or something that wont go away on its own on the sand bed I’ll vacuum it up. But other than that I never vacuum my sand.

 

[deron_d]

I use a simple, small Python siphon for water changes, and I do insert it into the shallow sand bed. To avoid pulling up too much sand, I control the suction by pinching the drain tube. If your tank is well established, it’s best not to disturb too much at once—it can cause issues. But if your tank is new, it’s fine to start incorporating this practice early on.