Cleaning substrate

[packagerat]

For my substrate I used Agrilive sand. Do you vacuum the sand like you do in a freshwater? I am getting a lot of crud on the surface of the sand but it seems when I try to use my python it sucks up a lot of the sand. Any suggestions

[afishyonados]

Slow the flow down on the python. Pinch the hose as well (when it's full of sand).
I generally try not to push deeper than 1/4 inch. We do not want to disturb the denitrification bed!

[Sparkie]

I also have the Aragalive sand, and I also use a python. I just adjust control the flow of the python (dont turn your faucet all the way on, just enough to get a water flow going)

[packagerat]

Great thanks for the tips!

[melosu58]

I have the aragalive also and I found it was better to have sand sifting gobies that will sift that top 1/4 inch. My sand stays white and turned over every day.

[Devilishturtles]

I also vaccum mine. I use a manual vaccum though, for the lessened flow. No problems with sucking up sand at all.

[roka64]

For me it took some practice, getting used to the flow control and such. I made a total mess the first few times it cleaned....