Assuming you have something similar to this, it isn't too terribly complicated.
Just fold the hose over itself to constrict the water flow when you start sucking up too much sand. There is a point were you're vacuuming detritus but not sand. You'll need to squeeze and release at certain times to manage the flow. Let me know if that doesn't make sense.
How often should I do it? If I add nassarius and or conch snails will that help?