Questions relating to cleaning sand/substrate

[*GSP*Fan*]

I am in the process of getting a 60gallon tank set up as full marine, primarily for a GSP. I have already purchased my sand and have 60lbs of aragonite.

To clean, pillowcases work well right? And am I safe doing this in my bathtub? I don't have a hose or anything to clean it easily outdoors.

Once the tank is setup, sand and all in place, what do I do about cleaning it if anything? When vacuuming would I just focus on whats on top or stir up the sand bed before hand? I'm not sure its its best to just leave the sand alone or what exactly.

I'd like to try hermit crabs in the tank but have been trying to look into anything that would help with cleaning the sand as well, suggestions?

One more thing, rock first then sand, right?

[Pufferpunk]

I would pour about 6" into a bucket fill, stir with your hand, dump, repeat until clear.

[*GSP*Fan*]

I would pour about 6" into a bucket fill, stir with your hand, dump, repeat until clear.

I can manage that, so long as it won't cause any issues doing so in a bathtub. I've been needing to pick up some buckets.

What about cleaning the sand in the tank? Do I just worry about what is on top and not disturb the sand?

[bertie 83]

Stir the sand weekly with a skewer, this will prevent gas pockets forming. If you hold your syphon whilst doing this you can suck up any released crud

[*GSP*Fan*]

Stir the sand weekly with a skewer, this will prevent gas pockets forming. If you hold your syphon whilst doing this you can suck up any released crud

Okay thank you.

I've read about the gas pockets but also didn't want to mess with anything beneficial that could be living in the sand.

[bertie 83]

Any disturbed small critters in the sand wont hold a grudge against you lol.

[*GSP*Fan*]

Any disturbed small critters in the sand wont hold a grudge against you lol.

'

Lol. Thanks. I was just thinking I didn't want to take a chance of killing anything off that may be beneficial. But I've ordered a gravel vac/siphon so it should make the cleaning pretty simple.

[Pufferpunk]

Keep the sand bed to 1" or less.

If it's still warm by you, you could also clean the sand outside.