Removing sand

[Samper]

I have decided to go BB in one of my reefs or atleast remove as much sand as I can. I would like to remove it slowly through water changes. I have tried this with my last water change but was unable to get a siphon strong enough to pull the sand out with the water. I can't use a pump and don't want to scoop it out. Any ideas?

[Poseidon]

What size tubing were you using? I have siphoned sand using 3/4" and 1" tubing, works very well.

[kronos5]

sounds like a good idea

[Samper]

I tried out some 1" this evening and it works pretty well. I had tried 3/4" but it was pretty flexible and I think that was the problem. The 1" is pretty rigid in comparison. I siliconed in acrylic sheets prior to setting this aquarium up so if something shifts hopefully I can avoid a disaster. I want to do this very slowly over 8-10 water changes. Some of my sps have grown onto multiple rocks and a shift could cause quite a bit of damage. Some of my rocks are sitting on the bottom already but there are plenty of others that are sand supported. I have no reason for doing this other than I think I'll like the look and may even have more space on the bottom. I think I have enough water movement already but I might try to amp it up a little to see what happens. Any advice?

[smpolyp]

I would like to add a EXTREME WARNING here. When you remove your sand bed you can release bacteria that can harm your coral. Removing all coral for several days is best.

[Samper]

smpolyp thank you for the warning. I am fully aware of the risks as I was when I moved this system with the sandbed in it. My goal is to do this very slowly every two weeks with regular water changes until it's all gone. I'm in no hurry and will do a few cups at a time in thin layers if I have to but must admit that I planned to do more than that. Ideally I should do this all at one time but I'm just not going to at this point. I don't think I'll ever get it all though with around 200 lbs sitting down there.

[charlie]

How big is the tank you are doing this in, and how much water are you changing. I know you aware of the risks, so if you do notice something going bananas, you are gonna have to remove it all at once, that is my thought.

[Samper]

This will be in my display 75 gallon with the gravity fed refugium. I have the capability to break it down if I need to but I don't want to. This sandbed is only a little over a year old and looks pretty clean as sandbeds go. I change 20 - 25 gallons every two weeks.

[charlie]

At that rate, you ought to be good to go, at least I think so.

[Samper]

Keeping my fingers crossed for sure.

[saltjunkie]

when i just moved.... i took it all out at once... and put in a lot of new rock.. all seems well.... just having a slight little outbreak like cycling a new tank... arghhhhhhh

[charlie]

Yeah, that sounds about right. Just keep an eyeball on things as you go here. If you keep up on your reading and such, you should be able to keep it under control!!! Good luck.