need a poop scoop crew?

[compulsion]

ok i have 2 Siamese Algae Eaters, 2 Dwarf Plecos, 2 Bronze Corys, 2 kuhli loaches.... but theres still poop, i take it these cleaners dont take to poop much..

is there anything that does? i have vaccuming my tank because i lose so much sand every time, i try to keep the sand in the tank but it dont work, i can put it back but i like to leave it as ive scaped it..

any help would be cool thanks

[Splash]

There really aren't too many coprophagous (poop-eating) critters, at least not big ones. As you might imagine, there isn't a lot to be gained by eating something that has already been digested. :down: Microscopic organisms can survive on poop because they can still gain energy by breaking down small organic compounds, but macrofauna cannot. Most of the seemingly coprophagous macrofauna actually "farm" microbes (bacteria, diatoms, protista, and fungi) on the poop, then get their nutrition from the microbial population. Some Ghost Shrimp are considered coprophagous, but I'm not sure if that includes the aquarium variety.

Originally Posted by compulsion

ok i have 2 Siamese Algae Eaters, 2 Dwarf Plecos, 2 Bronze Corys, 2 kuhli loaches.... but theres still poop, i take it these cleaners dont take to poop much..

is there anything that does? i have vaccuming my tank because i lose so much sand every time, i try to keep the sand in the tank but it dont work, i can put it back but i like to leave it as ive scaped it..

any help would be cool thanks

[Wasserpest]

Comp: Sand substrate is really difficult to keep clean IMO. None of the fishies you have would want to feed on poop. My ghost shrimps sometimes snack delicious green poop like a veggie wiener, but they wouldn't take care of all poop, plus they poop themselves as well :mrgreen:

It has been suggested to use a powerhead that gently blows over the sand and moves any poop either into a less visible area, or into the water column --> filter.

My suggestion is to not use sand as a substrate.

Splash: What's wrong with gravel??

[Splash]

I've got plain ole aquarium river gravel. No iron source that I'm aware of, and I think it is too coarse for good root formation...which slows down plant growth in my tank. Most plants seem to like good soil contact on their finer root hairs.

Originally Posted by Wasserpest

Splash: What's wrong with gravel??

[compulsion]

i chose sand because i thought it would be different. im not to keen on gravel and peat etc i think would be to hard to manage etc, i would like to make it as naturual as i can im just getting a bit lost, a powerhead is a pretty good idea..

thanks for your help guys

[Brian A]

for good root growth I put some sand in with the gravel. You can't really see it but I can tell a difference in the growth. As for your poop problem I don't really thing there is anything you can do.

[Daemonfly]

When you vac, hover the end just above the sand surface, enough to suck up the poop. Some people find it easier just to use the end of the hose.