Substrate

[harleymike]

Just switched tanks. Moved my smaller tank into a 120 gallon.
I used different substrate for new tank.

But while cleaning up the old tank I couldn't believe how gross the substrate was. Tanks was only 7 months old.
So trying to do a better job this time.
What should I add to keep the substrate cleaner.
I didn't run a skimmer. I am setting one up this time, will be running in the next week.

I had a couple hermits and some snails.
Which ones should i get this time.

Thanks for any help
Mike

 

[dale]

sand dwelling snails will help, fire worms etc... 7 mos isnt enough time for everything to balance out yet as well, stirring the substrate,(when you have a skimmer) will help a bit too but i wouldnt vacuum the substrate, it removes the critters that process the crud..

 

[dale]

sand dwelling snails will help, fire worms etc... 7 mos isnt enough time for everything to balance out yet as well, stirring the substrate,(when you have a skimmer) will help a bit too but i wouldnt vacuum the substrate, it removes the critters that process the crud..

as far as i know, most small snails go into the gravel at night.. some stay there, i dont know what any names are..

 

[Shooter000]

Nassuris snails, sand sifter star, Halloween hermits are good for scuffing up the substrate, strawberry conch as well

 

[Jewel]

Nassarius snails for sure, snails over crabs any day, the substrate does get pretty ugly over time, it's tough to keep it pristine.