I like sandbeds with a purpose rather than just ornamental sandbeds.why do you stay away from sand sifter gobies? I have a yellow headed and he keeps my tank nice and white...although I have mounds of sand
So I want stuff to grow in them: beneficial bacteria (which works better when there are different undisturbed layers) and microfauna (like pods).
The sandsifting critters don't sift the sand because they like to clean stuff, they sift it to find something to eat. In a small place like a aquarium they quickly eat through most beneficial stuff leaving the sandbed void of the stuff I find beneficial in there.
People who know my tank plans might say: "hey you keep mandarins and those eat pods and you plan to keep jawfish which burrow in the sand" so here's my response to that:
The mandarins mostly pick around on the rocks. The rocks I use have gazillions of holes, nooks and crannies. Pecking on rocks is not as 'efficient' in my opinion in removing the whole pod population as sifting sand is.
I also make a clear distinction between burrowers and sifters. Burrowers are critters that build permanent housing in the substrate but derive their food from the water column. Sifters are critters the continuously sift/disturb the substrate because they find their food there.
So that's why. I like for my sandbed to have a purpose and stay alive.
I think if your sandbed ahs already been stripped of the critters that would otherwise eat up your detritus then vacuuming it more thoroughly would be a good idea.
Reply With Quote
