How do you clean silica sand?
I tried using one of those hoses but the sand just gets clogged up and plugs the hose. Is there any other way to clean the top of the sand?

try swirling it around the deturis, and when it lifts from the sand it gets sucked up

alright so an update on this. It works to a certain degree, but a very long process. Right now everytime the tank gets cleaned most of the water has to come out then start scooping and sifting through the sand to get all the crap out. Anyone that uses silica sand or something similiar have any ideas or tips? Thanks

can you not use a Python? It should work.

what is that? if you mean the long hose with the peice on the end that cleans the tanks, i have one of those, but when i use it like you would to clean gravel it just sucks up the sand and clogs it. I have tried swirling around the crap on top of the sand and sucking it up that way but it seems to take forever and almost impossible to get it all. Also on a side note, in a day or two after cleaning I seem to have an enourmous amount of fish crap on the bottom of the tank. I have 2 albino frogs, 2 loachs, 2 tiger barbs, 1 african black knife and 2 plecos. I'm assuming most of it is coming from the frogs? Is there any sort of FW fish that would eat the poop up, as gross as that seems lol Thanks again

First of all.Sand isnt the best substrate to use.Nothing that breaks down can fall in between it. Second.When using the Python.You are suppose to slow down the flow with the ball valve that is on it.You slow the water flow down when the sand starts haf way up the tube.

Hmm I dont have anything like that. All mine has is the bigger tube about 12" long and then a long 25' smaller hose.

you must have a knock off of the Python. The have the valve so you can slow down the flow.Makes it work alot beter.