Hey ppl's i recently converted my tank from gravel to playsand...at first it looked absolutely unreal but now...it's really dirty and beginning to grow a yellow algae on the glass quite low and close to the sand...i was just wondering how should i clean the sand? using those vacuum things just sucks up the sand :(

i usually just hover over the top and pick up the waste with a siphon. as far as the algae goes i just plunge into the sand with the siphon to stir it up and that seems to displace any algae i have. i stir the sand up with every other water change and that keeps it fairly clean.

Or run enough filtration carefully spaced to pick up all the detris and stir the sand with every other water change as Cich said.

Maybe get some fish that burrow and stir up the sand for you?

Even with burrowing fish it's still a good idea to stir as diggers and burrowers generally pile it all up in one place.

Has anyone every thought of using a undergravel in reverse for sand. I have a buddie that does. It keeps the sand moving thus cutting down on algae and wast settling in the sand. It's kind of tricky to pull off but works. Keep in mind you don't want a really powerful powerhead on there. Also when I say tricky I mean it. Can be annoying to get started. You have to cover your undergravel with a fabric that can allow water to pass through, and not the sand. It also makes a cool effect in the sand.

thanks people! :D