Removing sand

[AquaRxium]

Hey guys:

I've had my mixed SPS/LPS tank now for about 1.5 years. Coralline algae is growing, Acros are coloring and all is well. I'm getting sick of how my sand is looking, cause I've decided not to touch it since its 3.5-4" in some spots, and would like to go bare bottom. I have a 8"x4" block of marine pure in the sump for surface area, so, I'm not worried about any issues with that. I just wanted to ask what the best way was to remove it without disrupting the coral too much. Any suggestions/things to watch out for?

Thanks

 

[cloak]

Just get yourself some vinyl hosing and remove small portions over time. Piece of cake.

 

[XocyrusX]

Hey guys:

I've had my mixed SPS/LPS tank now for about 1.5 years. Coralline algae is growing, Acros are coloring and all is well. I'm getting sick of how my sand is looking, cause I've decided not to touch it since its 3.5-4" in some spots, and would like to go bare bottom. I have a 8"x4" block of marine pure in the sump for surface area, so, I'm not worried about any issues with that. I just wanted to ask what the best way was to remove it without disrupting the coral too much. Any suggestions/things to watch out for?

Thanks

You will love it... So much easier to maintain

 

[AquaRxium]

Good idea. So, by removing small portions overtime it will help to avoid cycling too right? That's my fear.

 

[cloak]

Yep.. If you do this correctly your tank shouldn't miss a beat. It can probably be done in a week or two, but if your in this for the long haul then take the time to do it right.
Better safe than sorry. GL.

 

[XocyrusX]

Agreed when I moved my tanks to BB I did it slowly. You shouldn't have an issue. I used the MarinePure as well as I was nervous of the same. I saw my nitrate and phosphate fall right away. You will be happy.

You will find left over sand afterwards. Just take a siphon hose with a filter sock zipped on the end end and go straight to the sump and collect it out. I do this as a part of my regular maintenance.

 

[bknapp]

I'm debating on going bare bottom as well. I just can't decide if I want to limit some of my fish choices (gobies and wrasses are two of my favorites) and if I can deal with the appearance.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I have been taking off a nice layer with each water change.

 

[AquaRxium]

You know, I didn't even think about my yellow corse wrasse I have! Can they not survive without the sand? I know he dives in when the lights go out but are they not able to adapt to bare bottom?