How do I clean the sand?

[inkozana]

I want to put nice sand in my Axie's tank, but I am confused as to how you would clean it. I used to take the stones out and strain them in a sive but I obviously can't do that with the sand.

How do you guys do it?

 

[Kaysie]

With a siphon and a turkey baster for spot-cleaning.

Siphon: http://www.aquarticles.com/images/Coleman/Coleman2_image005.jpg

Turkey Baster: http://www.flippersandfins.net/Images/TurkeyBasterA.JPG

 

[inkozana]

I don't really understand how to use those, but thanks for the info

 

[Levo]

I use a turkey baister, very basic and easy to use. Just use the baister to suck out any dirt that is laying on top of the tank. I don't use a siphon but I expect that you use that is a very similar way and move around the sand to make sure that nothing is hiding underneath it.

 

[inkozana]

Okay thanks I didn't get any sand for my Axie today, just big pebbles for him to sit on instead. But when I get sand I will remember this

 

[Kaysie]

Big pebbles can be dangerous. Axolotls can swallow pebbles that are as big as their head, and these can cause impaction, leading to death.

 

[inkozana]

Um okay.. they're twice his size though so I don't think I need to worry about it..

 

[Kaysie]

Some videos on how to use gravel siphons (for the love of Pete, don't use the 'shake to start' method to start a siphon. It just makes a mess and leads to a sore arm and startled animals).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfEBbjKK5xQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Jozm78x3I