Slowly removing substrate from tank. Good idea?

[bluecheese]

I set this tank up with a deep sand bed. Mainly because I didn't know what I was doing. Coming from the high tech planted tank world, I just figured that was the correct way to go about it.

Now, 4 years later, I hate the deep sand bed. It isn't a good look on this tank.

Would there be an issue if I SLOWLY (emphasis on SLOW) removed some of the substrate? Like a cup a week during water changes? The substrate is stirred up weekly during water changes, so I don't think there would be the normal deep sand bed issues that people run into when trying to remove it.

 

[exnisstech]

I removed a deep bed once. I just vacuumed some out every time I did a WC

 

[JTP424]

Yup, should be fine to do, slowly like you said won't cause a huge impact. Keep an eye on parameters just to be safe.

 

[bluecheese]

Thanks guys.

 

[Freenow54]

I set this tank up with a deep sand bed. Mainly because I didn't know what I was doing. Coming from the high tech planted tank world, I just figured that was the correct way to go about it.

Now, 4 years later, I hate the deep sand bed. It isn't a good look on this tank.

Would there be an issue if I SLOWLY (emphasis on SLOW) removed some of the substrate? Like a cup a week during water changes? The substrate is stirred up weekly during water changes, so I don't think there would be the normal deep sand bed issues that people run into when trying to remove it.

I did it and much faster. Looks like you have things going on in it. I changed to a more coarse bed and not deep. I got a diamond Goby and it was happy

 

[JumboShrimp]

As established as that tank is, I bet you could easily do as you propose without any adverse effects. Nice tank; Best wishes.

 

[00W]

I as well have gone through phases of removing and adding sand.
I'd remove every time I did a water change, few pounds at a time or a bit more.
Tank looks fantastic!
Shouldn't be an issue.

 

[bluecheese]

Thanks for the compliments on the tank. And for the advice.

 

[SantaMonica Verified Sponsor]

I've seen it done 1/4 tank at a time per week (total 4 weeks).

 

[Naekuh]

I removed a deep bed once. I just vacuumed some out every time I did a WC

+1 do this...

Don't scoop it out.
And Dont take too much, although most of your biologic is done on the rocks, there is still some in the sand.

 

[JumboShrimp]

As established as that tank is, I bet you could easily do as you propose... even more at a time, without any adverse effects. Nice tank; Best wishes.

 

[Freenow54]

+1 do this...

Don't scoop it out.
And Dont take too much, although most of your biologic is done on the rocks, there is still some in the sand.

By the looks of it there is lots going on in the sand I disturbed the sand in one of my long term tanks big mistake . To me more bad than good in substrate. The toilet of the Aquarium. Just Me

 

[KrisReef]

Thanks for the compliments on the tank. And for the advice.

I can't see how your rocks structures are foundationally, but if they are sitting on top of the sand then removing the sand could cause a cave in?

Otherwise, I think slow and steady, all in one day if you want, will be fine.

 

[bluecheese]

I can't see how your rocks structures are foundationally, but if they are sitting on top of the sand then removing the sand could cause a cave in?

Otherwise, I think slow and steady, all in one day if you want, will be fine.

The rocks are sitting on the aquarium bottom. So removing the sand shouldn't impact them.

 

[Rob A]

I removed the sand in a 180 using a garden hose to suck it up. It took 2 Saturdays and I waited a few weeks between. I will never use sand again only crush coral

 

[bluecheese]

From when I first set up the tank. Most of the rocks are on the bottom glass of the tank. Some rocks sit on the sand, but they're not structural.