Nitrates and Phosphates Impossible to Reduce - Vodka/Vinegar Dosing, Chaeto, Oversized Filtration

[DCR]

Before I upgraded tanks I had a deep sandbed of over 3” but I could never keep it clean. It would always fill up with detritus and due to being a predator tank I can’t keep any clean up crew other than urchins. Even with vacuuming every water change it would always fill up with detritus. Do you have any suggestions on how to keep it clean and free of detritus easier?

Thanks, Seth

I am probably not very meticulous about my sand bed. I use a 50/50 mixture of oolite and special grade which does not allow a lot of detritus to accumulate down in it like a larger size. I also think strong flow helps a lot. I use a mixture of urchins and turbo snails but I don't really think either do much for keeping the bed clean. I find that the larger gobies like the watchman do keep it stirred.