Sand Bed.. how to maintain?

[arcanehacker]

How do you guys maintain sand beds? I've seen many after a few months, the sand bed starts to grow algae and stuff. Also those left over food stuff in the SB.

How generally is it maintained? take out sand and clean? what about dirt in SB?

[moron]

I disturb only the surface once a while but not too deep. Gobi would be good alternative to do the work. Also had to control amount of food and light to reduce dirt/algae

[arcanehacker]

I disturb only the surface once a while but not too deep. Gobi would be good alternative to do the work. Also had to control amount of food and light to reduce dirt/algae

but what if in a few months time the algae grows outta control into the sandbed? (which I've seen many happened)

[moron]

inside the sand should be ok, I guess..its natural. Personally, I think it should be kept that way with all other inhabitants which again have some natural cycle. Perhaps a bit unsightly, thats why I maintain my surface only.

[FuEl]

Rowaphos...and a black sea cuke..if you want a few dwarf hermits.

[arcanehacker]

Rowaphos...and a black sea cuke..if you want a few dwarf hermits.

I didn't know there's dwarf hermits.. .. do they really help? Or are they just like shrimps going around looking for left overs? ...

[alanseah]

if not u can go for star fish...

they r gd SB helper..

[FuEl]

I didn't know there's dwarf hermits.. .. do they really help? Or are they just like shrimps going around looking for left overs? ...

Hermits help eat nuisance algae. Drop by ML..they have small hermits from time to time.

[lightningstrike]

i've heard of good reviews on a product call AZPO4. maybe u wanna find out more b4 buying.....

[Nic a Jon]

I have some nassarius snail helping with the left overs...

but the front part of my sandbed still brownish , dont know if its due to 4 tubes os T5 light on 12 hours everyday as those parts that is in the shade or under corals not brownish at all.

Is brittle starfish or sea cuke good for cleaning sandbed?

where to buy them..dont see them around LFS

[sugi]

I caught my hermit crab eating my coco worm.

So decided to banish it from my tank.

Anyone interested to adopt ?

[sinner]

whahaha how much you letting go? collection point?

[sugi]

Sinner,

I stay in Punggol.

Bought at S$5 and letting go at S$0

[arcanehacker]

I caught my hermit crab eating my coco worm.

So decided to banish it from my tank.

Anyone interested to adopt ?

I would but must know how big.. otherwise its gonna fight for space with my shrimps..

one question with no shell or snails around, how do they change their shell when they outgrown it?

[sugi]

Size: 2 inch with shell.

I have no idea how they move house.

May be they will call up for transportation services...hee.

Any way, I will be home tonite after 7 pm. Interested SMS me at 96185693 before you come. I hope it is still alive cause I left it at other tank. This morning it is still alive.

[arcanehacker]

Size: 2 inch with shell.

I have no idea how they move house.

May be they will call up for transportation services...hee.

Any way, I will be home tonite after 7 pm. Interested SMS me at 96185693 before you come. I hope it is still alive cause I left it at other tank. This morning it is still alive.

sorry too big.. hope he finds a bigger home..

[sinner]

i dun mind but it's too far from my side guess i got to give it a miss

[planetg]

no one mention abt good circulation???

[Achilles Tang]

There is nothing to 'maintain' in a DSB.

Those algae that grows on it is a result of a high level of dissolved nutrients fueling their growth. You have to understand how to control that.

Nitrates will gradually be removed by the workings of a properly setup DSB.

The so-called reef janitors like snails, brittlestars, hermit crabs, pods, sea cukes etc can be employed to clean up excessive detritus.

IMO, a very good skimmer will solve most of these nuisance algae problems. INVEST!!!

[arcanehacker]

There is nothing to 'maintain' in a DSB.

Those algae that grows on it is a result of a high level of dissolved nutrients fueling their growth. You have to understand how to control that.

Nitrates will gradually be removed by the workings of a properly setup DSB.

The so-called reef janitors like snails, brittlestars, hermit crabs, pods, sea cukes etc can be employed to clean up excessive detritus.

IMO, a very good skimmer will solve most of these nuisance algae problems. INVEST!!!

arg.. but one thing.. not many Protein Skimmers are made for a 1 feet tank... it'll probably look bigger than the tank itself..

[Achilles Tang]

Which is why I don't really recommend anything smaller than a 2 ft tank for newbies.

You have to really know what you doing should you go for a nano tank.

[happystar]

I read some article, I think Azoo megazine, ...To control algae, water circulation also play a part, especially those tall tank, most of people neglect bottom circulation.... but I dunno how to decide a good circulation? help!

Any comment??

[arcanehacker]

Which is why I don't really recommend anything smaller than a 2 ft tank for newbies.

You have to really know what you doing should you go for a nano tank.

but room no space.. have to settle with a 1 feet... ..