Sand getting stirred up

[IhaveNemos]

I've been having a problem with sand becoming stirred up to the point of digging right down to the glass bottom.

I have 2 Aquaclear 110's hanging in the tank, and one pumping up from the sump. I have tried every variation with the flow directions, but it never helps. The output hangs roughly midway from top to bottom.

I tried placing some LR in the front of the tank to disrupt the flow somewhat..which helped a bit.

Should I just angle everything to the surface? I was concered about low flow in the lower areas of the tank, and already have decent surface action as is.

 

[melosu58]

Is this a very fine sand? Maybe a layer of coarse sand on top will help.

 

[IhaveNemos]

Yeah I'd say it is pretty fine. It is the CaribSea sand. Id guess it at 2-3mm particles.

Thank you!

 

[Jarred Darque]

that is pretty large particles. I dont think the sand in mine is even a mm.

I have all my power heads poinjted horizontally just underneath the surface. IT creates plenty of surface agitation, and creates a nice circular flow around the tank, so even the bottom of the tank has good flow, but not too strong..

My tank is a 10 gallon with about 210 gph of flow.

 

[IhaveNemos]

I think my 110's are putting out 3700/litres (960~ gph) an hour. The one from the sump has a 3-4 foot rise and 3 90 degree bends..so somewhat less from that one.