Fuge Sand Bed Turning to Concrete?

scottk · #1 08/28/2007, 05:10 PM

While checking out my fuge (75 gallon on a 180 bare bottom tank), I noticed that the top 1/4-3/8" of the sand bed had formed a concrete-like shell. My sump is high flow, I add CO2 through a calc reactor and supplements for calcium. I see many pods, worms and other critters in there.

Good or bad.......?

scottk · #2 08/28/2007, 08:54 PM

bump

Jamokie01 · #3 08/28/2007, 10:00 PM

Get some big nassarius snails and a sandsifting cucumber, theyll keep it stirred. Oh, and yes, bad not good.

scottk · #4 08/29/2007, 07:10 AM

Haven't tried nassarius.....couldn't keep wandering cuc out of return pump compartment, no matter how many barriers put in to stop it from going there. Had to move it to tank to keep it from getting chopped up in pump.

barjam · #5 08/29/2007, 09:44 AM

ALK/Calcium/PH too high probably I forget which one (or ones) for sure. Worth a check.

LEPRECAUN · #6 08/29/2007, 07:03 PM

Be careful if you decide to stir it up. Make sure if you do you only break up the top inch or so. You don't want to release anything hiding in the bottom of the bed.

robsee06 · #7 08/30/2007, 03:11 PM

Try a sand sifting star...

I know they eat what's good for a DSB but I trade mine in and out of my tank with people. I leave him in for about a week then pass him along to someone else. They do a great job of moving the sand which IMHO is very necessary.