Sand Sifters

[MikeDeL]

What can I add to the tank that will do a really good job digging around through the sand and keeping the gases from building up? Also Im bored and want to take a LFS field trip today. What stores other then Aquatek and Austin Aquariums should I check out here in town?


Thanks,
Mike

[scuba_steveo]

partners in round rock

[Brett Wilson]

AquaDome in south austin had a lot of sand sifters the other day, and their prices are generally the best in town because they trans-ship. Good and bad.

Check them out. they have new orders in stock on Tuesdays.

[matt]

Mike;

I'm not sure what kind of animals you're looking for, but I wonder if you're aware that most "sand sifters" are sifting the sand in order to find and eat the animals that make your sand bed work. If you're talking about sand sifting stars and/or gobies, you'd basically be adding animals that destroy the function of a deep sand bed. Stock your sand bed with worms and very small "micro" brittle stars. Thes small animals eat detritus and keep the sand moving, although you will not be able to see them at work.

If you're bored, maybe you should do some reading on sand bed function. Check out "Sand bed secrets" by Ron Shimek.

[StephenA]

MikeDeL, Did you go on your field trip to the other stores? I've only been to Aquatek, Austin Aquariums, Pet Connection, and Gallery of Pets.

[MikeDeL]

Mike;

If you're talking about sand sifting stars and/or gobies.

I was thinking snails or something

Did you go on your field trip to the other stores? I've only been to Aquatek, Austin Aquariums, Pet Connection, and Gallery of Pets.

Thats all I have been to also. I went by Aquadome today. Didnt go anywhere else traffic was a nightmare today.


Mike

[Tim Marvin]

I'll be getting more nassarius snails soon. 100 for $30.

[MikeDeL]

Man thats cheap. Wish I had know, I just picked up 4 today.


Mike

[Tim Marvin]

4 won't do a good enough job of sifting the sand anyway. If you want some let me know.

[MikeDeL]

How many you think I will need? I have the 4 nassarius, 3 astrea, and a blue leg hermit in there right now for a clean up crew. I you think I need more I could buy a few off of you.


Thanks,
Mike

[Instar]

I have the 4 nassarius, 3 astrea, and a blue leg hermit

Unless you only have a 5 gallon tank, a lot more than that.

[MikeDeL]

I have the 12 gallon Nano-Cube. Its really only about 10.5 before putting sand and rock in there. so your looking at about 8 in the tank and 1 in the sump. So you think I should about double the cleaner crew?


Thanks,
Mike

[Henry]

yes double the cleaning crew.

[StephenA]

I'd go with 8-10 nassarius. It's like night of the living dead when food hits the water or DSB. They do a great job a stirring the top layer of sand.

How was AquaDome?