Cleaning Subsrate

dairyguy

I just cleaned my saltwater tank for the first time. I am 1 week into the nitrogen cycle. I am used to cleaning the gravel in my freshwater tank with a python cleaner, when I tried to clean the sand bed of my saltwater tank with the python it sucked the sand up the hose. How do I clean the substrate? Do I need to worry about it like I would with my freshwater tank? I have attached a picture of the tank.

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...1/P1010206.jpg

CBRrider

You may want to deploy a clean up crew, like nassarius snails ect.-->CBR

unclejed

Hello dairy, there are two trains of thought on cleaning the substrate, syphon/stir and cleaning crew. I prefer the latter, it is easier (no work at all!) and neater (no mess). I have a 55 gal. and have 4 conch (2 tiger and 2 turtle) 2 nassarius snails and 24-30 blue legged crabs (some red legs). Also there are a number of other sand shifting creatures. I let them keep things clean and tidy.

Steve C

Do the snails and crabs scavenge for missed food and clean up detritus? I am starting a 20 gallon FOWLR with plans to add coral in the future and was wondering about vac'ing the substrate as well. I would much rather employ some snails and crabs to keep my substrate from going down the drain.

dairyguy

Drs. Foster and Smith sell cleaning crews for various size tanks, is that a good starting place for what I need?

unclejed

To answer steve and dairy, yes steve that is exactly what they do that is why we collectively call them a "janitor crew" and/or "cleaning crew". I have never ordered on line for any livestock dairy, always a little leery of the whole thing. Many do it however so yes that is a place to start if you don't have an lfs close. My way is to not bombard the tank with a whole crew at one time as to not stress the tank with a whole load at one time. I added 12 crabs, waited 2 weeks then a couple nassarious etc. I am always cautious. Salt keeping takes time and patients.

jadetilan

Nassarius snails, Cerith snails, Fighting Conch, Britlle Starfish, Sand Sifting Star are among clean-up crews to consume detritus and are reef safe.

orb4me

tx, this is an answer to a question I didnt know I had yet

kbauerctu

I have a question thats along the same lines. I have a 100g tank w/ porcupine puffer, clown trigger, and a lion fish.

I really want a clean up crew, but know that many would be eaten by the puffer and lion.

Are there any cleaning animals that wont get eaten?

I am thinking about adding a yellow tang and some large hermit crabs.

Let me know!