crusty sand

[Booboo33062]

Crusty sand: What should I do?


What if the top of the sand in some places is crispy. When I touch it I can break through and then it's soft under neath. I heard it was because the tank didn't have enough flow. I have fixed the flow issue, but have noticed the sand is still crusty in places. It seems like it may be crusty up under the rocks too, but I can't reach those areas to check. I just don't know if I need to remove sand or just take some of the top off during W/C, or if there is another option. If I have a YWG will he still be able to stay in the tank?

[Booboo33062]

Here are some pictures of under the tank that I took so you can see for yourself.

[Reef_Angel]

You know, I've seen the crusty sand issue as well, but it seemed to be because we used one type of sand (play sand from Home Depot when the used to carry it), and sand that was purchased at an LFS (I believe). Dakar (my hubby) claims to like that sand better than the sand I have in my seahorse tanks, but I don't. I'm sorry I can't tell you why one would be so much different, but I didn't like the crusty stuff. Do you have any bottom dwelling fish in your tank like a goby or blenny? They keep the sand stirred nicely. A good clean up crew should be keeping your sand rustled around as well. May I ask what kind of clean up crew you're keeping? ....Angel :angel1:

[Booboo33062]

I know I don't have near enough. I have 2 turbos, 1 cerith, and 4 nassarius snails. I have a Yellow Watchman who does nothing for the tank, but just look cute. This may be my problem. I just developed a layer of crust on the top of my sand which seems to be under my rocks too.
I have 4 bags carib sea and 60 lbs. of sand from another persons tank they torn down. I don't know how old it was or anything about it.

[Reef_Angel]

How big of a tank do you have, and what all do you have in there. I love my yellow watchman goby too. They make there home and they just pop out to eat or visit with you. Some blue legged hermit crabs will rustle up the sand a bit. They are great detrius eaters and all around, especially if something dies in the tank and you either can't find it or don't know about it. Stay with the small to med sized ones & get extra shells from the seller so the little ones have a new house to move into as they grow a little bigger. Sea cucumbers are a good choice as well. ...Angel

[Booboo33062]

I had 8 hermits, but I got rid of them. I caught one on my zoos and took him out then it happened again later with another one so they all went back to the LFS. I have a Coral Beauty, three blue green Chromis, and the YWG. I had a Lawn Mower Blenny, but it died 3 days ago. I have a 150 gallon tank with 130 lbs live rock. I have 4-5 inches of sand in the tank.