SSB maintenence

[LittlePuff]

I'm planning on doing a SSB with eggcrate under it. Do I need to replace the sand periodically? Can I go without the eggcrate either way? If no eggcrate, can I stir it occasionally or just get a cleaning crew or sand sifters?

[Salamander]

I'd skip the eggcrate. It'll just trap more detritus. I take a turkey baster and stir up my SSB about once a month. A ton of junk gets in the water column and then settles in my sump where I suck it out.

[The Velvet Sea]

I'd say skip the eggcrate. It will just cause detritus issues. There should be no need to replace your SSB periodically. As far as maintenance on the sand bed or critters, you will get a variety of opinions. I like to use a slow gravel vacuum that will suck the muck out but not the sand. I vacuum a small area each week with my water change. I also like sand bed critters that eat detritus.

[LittlePuff]

Awesome! Thanks.