| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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03-18-2007, 03:05 PM
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#1
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Nothing to See Here
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,382
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syphoning sand beds
I have read here and there that some ppl siphon thier sandbeds. How many of you do this? No one I know ever bothers.
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03-18-2007, 03:08 PM
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#2
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Just some guy, you know?
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: West of Dimples
Posts: 18,460
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I used to syphon 1/2 of my sandbed every month (alternating sides) when I had an SSB,.. now that I keep a DSB I don't becaue it could do serious harm to my system if I disturb the lower layers.
Whiskey
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Mr. Jive/Dr. Heckyll
Life is never more fun, then when your the Underdog
Competing against the Giants.
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03-18-2007, 03:13 PM
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#3
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Candy Pirate
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: I see white stuff
Posts: 3,769
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I'll stir it up with my fingers (like a rake) and syphon out the dust/detritus that come out
with the other hand
I never do more than about 10 sq/in in a week
(hot sauce in my eyes, temporarily blinded)
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03-18-2007, 03:16 PM
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#4
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Shark
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Fl
Posts: 1,772
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiskey
I used to syphon 1/2 of my sandbed every month (alternating sides) when I had an SSB,.. now that I keep a DSB I don't becaue it could do serious harm to my system if I disturb the lower layers.
Whiskey
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I concur.
BTW, a plenum system should be syphoned as part of routine maintanance.
Steve
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It's as easy as falling off a log!
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03-18-2007, 03:22 PM
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#5
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 948
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dang on my dsb I syphon it every week to get the detritus off the top and it seems to work pretty good.
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03-18-2007, 03:23 PM
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#6
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Candy Pirate
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: I see white stuff
Posts: 3,769
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I have a SSB, if that helps
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Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
"I think so, Brain, but can the Gummi Worms really live in peace with the Marshmallow Chicks?"
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03-18-2007, 04:11 PM
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#7
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Shark
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 3,181
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I have a problem reaching mine my tank is 30" deep...and I have to have a small stepladder to even get to the top!
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Joe Henderson
210 aga, 24 gallon nano(built In) 60 gallon refugium with sump 
& Now 75 Reef at work
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03-18-2007, 04:20 PM
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#8
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Shark
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Pismo Beach, CA
Posts: 2,314
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I siphon as close to the top at an angle, so I get the gunk, with as little sand. Unless I have a cyano outbreak again that is lol.
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115g 36x36x20 cube
(2) Tunze 6045s & Wavebox
Powder Blue Tang, Purple Tang, Yellow Tang, Pair Of Clowns & Lubbocks Wrasse.
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03-19-2007, 10:52 AM
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#9
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Shark
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Fl
Posts: 1,772
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike01z
dang on my dsb I syphon it every week to get the detritus off the top and it seems to work pretty good.
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According to the DSB experts, you should leave this detritus as food for the DSB critters. Syphoning this detritus off the DSB will also remove some of these bugs, which according to them, are the most important part of a well functioning DSB. Dr Ron would say that if you are having a build up of detritus on the top of your DSB, then the DSB itself is not functioning properly.
Steve
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It's as easy as falling off a log!
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03-19-2007, 11:10 AM
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#10
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I'm sorry.......
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: South West Florida
Posts: 1,704
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I cant reach the bottom of my tank I stir it up with a power head |
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Bill 
