Few sand questions

I'm looking into getting a tank that's currently set up but will have to be taken apart for transport. So first question is anything should I keep in mind when doing so? Second, I've never had sand in a tank before....do I need to care for it differently than gravel? And last, any reccomendations for fish to have or not to have in a tank with sand?

 

Welcome to FishLore!

With sand tanks, you don't need to "vacuum" as debris doesn't get caught in the substrate; it just sits on top. However, you do need to occasionally poke the sand to release bubbles that may form. Otherwise, an unsuspecting fish may release a bubble of ammonia gas, and it may not end favorably. I do not believe there are any fish that CAN'T have sand, but some prefer it (Malaysian trumpet snails, kuhlI loaches, etc).


I've not yet moved a tank (NOT looking forward to it) so I'll let someone else comment on that.

 

How do you clean it w/o vacuuming it?

 

I'm looking into getting a tank that's currently set up but will have to be taken apart for transport. So first question is anything should I keep in mind when doing so? Second, I've never had sand in a tank before....do I need to care for it differently than gravel? And last, any reccomendations for fish to have or not to have in a tank with sand?

Depending on how much sand there is, I would bring buckets to transport the sand in. If it comes with a seeded filter, I would put the filter media in another bucket with tank water.

You are open to any fish.

Lastly, no special care is required with sand, I comb the sand with a stick to release any built up air pockets from time to time.

How do you clean it w/o vacuuming it?

You would still do the same motion of vacuuming it but never touching the sand, have your siphon probably 1 inch above the sand.

 

How do you clean it w/o vacuuming it?

You can also kinda swoosh your hand around in the tank near the substrate to get the debris suspended and then siphon out of the water column.