Removing a deep sand bed

[manchester]

Does anyone have any experience removing a deep sand bed? I want to go to a bare-bottom and need to get rid of 4" of live sand in my 55 gal. tank. Should I remove it a bit at a time, or all at once, or something in between? My concern is the hydrogen sulfide, etc., that may exist deep in the bed. I have about 50 lbs of live rock and an efficient Aqua C Remora skimmer. No other filtration.

Any ideas on the best way to go?

Thanks.

Bob

[tjigger]

I'd remove it slowly so the bio-load can have time to grow back on your LR.
A wet-dri vac works well, it helps stop the dust and will let you do a small WC at the same time.