what to do with my sandbed.

[fernalfer]

I have a 120 gallon tank that had about a 2 inch sandbed when i began, but after the sand had settled from getting blow from the powerhead i know have a sandbed in some spots of 3-31/2 inches. Should i take some sand out to more evenly have closer to a 1 inch sand bed? I don't want a DSB. Or will i be ok with some deeper spots then others.

And if i should take sand out what is the best method and approach to do so?

 

[DeniseAndy]

Do you have any fish or other creatures (or planning on any) that will need some deeper spots? If so, keep it for them. If not, you can suck some up during water changes until it is at a level you are happy with. My engineer keeps mine in huge piles that move around the tank regularly. :)

 

[fernalfer]

Do you have any fish or other creatures (or planning on any) that will need some deeper spots? If so, keep it for them. If not, you can suck some up during water changes until it is at a level you are happy with. My engineer keeps mine in huge piles that move around the tank regularly. :)

just have a tang in there right now and some clownfish in QT. But would like to get a goby of some sort and maybe a pistol shrimp. I only ask because some people say either a 1 inch sand bed or a DSB sand bed. They say if your inbetween that isn't good. Not sure how true that statement is but i'm new to this so unsure.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I have had about 2" in my tank for well over 7 years. However, I do vacuum it and have many critters that live in it to keep it stirred up. Although it never stays an even 2". My engineer goby sees to that. I say if you have sand and want sand dwelling creatures, you need 2". It will move around and creatures will move it around. you just have to know that vacuuming it will be necessary for long term health.
I was worried when I first did mine too, but eventually it works out. I had more like 3 at one point, but I vacuumed some out while cleaning. This was because the goby kept piling it so high in places. Plus I am lazy about vacuuming. :) I vacuum maybe once every couple months.