sand

[tr3wth]

i have always liked the look of sand but don't know anything about it.
how to clean
what type to buy how to setup the tank
any other advise or information is appreciated.:22:

[Kuli_Loach]

I use silica sand. I stick my vacuum into it and pull it up causing it to rotate and all the bad stuff to be sucked up. Takes a little longer but it works.

[salman]

I use silica sand. I stick my vacuum into it and pull it up causing it to rotate and all the bad stuff to be sucked up. Takes a little longer but it works.

As i was vacuuming my sand, i learnt a new trick.. People say you should have your vacuum cleaner about an inch away so it doesn't suck on the sand, i just lowered the speed on the water getting sucked. This way i stick it on the sand and only the dirt comes out, and less water gets out.

[Kuli_Loach]

I just got a siphon kleen so I can't adjust the flow on mine, I am to much of a tight wad to buy a python.:c3: My way works as well and it barley takes up any sand at all, it all falls back out.

[littleguppy833]

I bought pool filter sand from my local hardware store. 50lb for $9.99. The only down fall is that you have to clean it real good before putting it in your aquarium, and it makes the water cloudy for about 3-5 days. To clean I take the large end of the hose off and siphon about 1 inch above the sand. This prevents the sand from getting sucked up into the hose. Then I take hand fulls carefully as a time lift them about .5 inch from the bottom and let go of it. This releases any gases stuck in the sand.
Hope this helps!

[tr3wth]

thanks for the info i thought you needed aquarium sand and was worried about siphoning it all out i guess its easier than i thought so ill add it to future projects list...

[salman]

Mine is a normal gravel cleaner, but it has a knob to adjust the flow. Works wonders. I just recently started cleaning my gravel, and i got most of the dirt out with only a bucket of water filled. I'm going to start cleaning the gravel as i do water changes.