Couple of questions please

[SandyB]

So when I set up my tank, I had not found this place yet. I know I did somethings wrong and I fixed what I could. So my first question stems from using the wrong sand. I'm attaching a couple of pics. My question is how can I get nice clean sand like I see in other tanks without causing problems. Do I need more of a clean up crew? Can I strain out those dumb rocks and add better sand a little at a time? My tank has been up a year and 1/2 now, I don't want to undo some good stuff I have going.

One other question is about those bristle worms. They aren't hurting anything, but they seem to be multiplying. Like tribbles lol. Is there anything I can do to thin them out?

[SGT_York]

If the bristle worms are multiplying it's because there is a biological need for them. So you want to keep them around.

With the sand just scoop out sections and add in newly washed sand in it's place, you can go in 1/4 sections a month at a time.

[mixedreef89]

Well I can help you with your second question. I had a bad outbreak of bristle worms and flat worms. I bought a piece of live rock and threw it straight into my tank before I had fish in it. And boom I had them every where. I got a six line wrasse about a month ago,he has practically cleared out there population. As far as the sand goes. Someone with more experience will have to help you there

Correct me if I'm wrong though. If you stir it up and siphon out all the floating debris you can start to control it what is your phosphates at?

[Nina51]

everything i've read here says 6 line wrasses are holy terrors, very aggressive and will limit your fish selection later.

[mixedreef89]

I think there will be plenty of people to argue that. Every fish can be aggressive.

[gone fishin]

The worms will be self limiting and as Nina pointed out a six line can be a limiting factor, especially in a smaller tank.

If you wish to replace your sand you can do it in sections over a period of time as stated above.

[SandyB]

As pretty as those wrasses are, I've had one and all he did was terrorize my other fish and didn't do anything (that I could see) to the worms. I don't really mind the worms, they are cool in a disgusting way lol I just don't want to be over run by them.

Ok so I'm going to start looking into changing out my sand a little at a time. I just don't want to cause problems.

Thanks y'all.

[Nina51]

sandy, siphon the old sand out with a fat piece of tubing. when you are ready to replace it with new sand, see if you can find a big funnel to use. the less you stir things up, the better off you'll be. you should save the stirring up stuff for the lounge.

[gone fishin]

when I have replaced sand I use a 2 inch diameter piece of pvc. Place the pipe in the tank with one end on the bottom and pour the sand down the pvc. Then move the pipe around on the bottom of the tank to let it out. You will not get much of a mess in the tank this way. just my 2 cents

[SandyB]

Great ideas, Nina and Tony, thanks! Any suggestions on what kind of sand?

Nina, would I stir anything up? (insert pic of angel here)

[gone fishin]

I use plain old dry aragonite sand, very common at stores. I do stay away from the fine or sugar fine sand. I do not like it blowing around. Just rinse it well to get the "dust" off of it.

[SandyB]

Originally Posted by gone fishin

I use plain old dry aragonite sand, very common at stores. I do stay away from the fine or sugar fine sand. I do not like it blowing around. Just rinse it well to get the "dust" off of it.

Thank you

[Nina51]

Originally Posted by SandyB

Great ideas, Nina and Tony, thanks! Any suggestions on what kind of sand?

Nina, would I stir anything up? (insert pic of angel here)

tony's idea is even better! you can do that with a piece of pvc long enough to have one end completely out of the water which would prevent the sand from blowing around.

ummm...i'm pretty sure you have said a bad word a time or two in the lounge. usually, it has something to do with arachnids. bleh!

[rbower04]

Just get dry sand. If your tank is established you don't need to get expensive live stand to jump start your bio cycle. PVC pipe method is an excellent one for adding new sand. Don't worry about the bristle worms. I've only ever seen them harm emerald crabs. Six lines MAY eat them if they don't have another food source. I've never had a problem with six line wrasses personally and always have one in my tank, albeit it's a larger (125G) tank.

[SandyB]

I'm not really worried about the worms hurting anything, I just don't want them taking over the tank.

I am start changing out my sand pretty soon. Thanks for the tips and help