Cloudy Tank

[t_nix]

We started our tank last week for the first time with new sand and rock. Once we added the water it was cloudy, but cleared up some after 24 hrs, but its still looks cloudy. Also everytime we barely touch the sand it makes the entire tank cloudy and tanks 24 hrs to clear up enough to see the rock. Is this typical of new sand and how long might this last. Its kinda hard to do aquascaping when you cant see anything and when you can, one touch of the sand clouds up the tank again. Any tips or advice?

 

[weaglereefer]

If you used sugar fine sand, then yup, it's about normal. There are other grades of sand that won't be disturbed as easily. Over time the sand will build up a little grunge and stay put better.

 

[ricksconnected]

yeah, what he said. thats why i dont like sugar sand and always wash my sand before use.

 

[gnashty]

How much did you wash it first? if its the really fine stuff and all you have is rock and sand in the tank i would personally take the opportunity to change the substrate. There is nothing worse than all that dust kick up anytime you touch the tank, not to mention what the rock will look like - all dusty en stuff :yuk:

 

[dakota9]

Could also be a bacteria bloom.

Seachem Clarity and filter floss would clear it right up..

 

[t_nix]

We didn't wash the sand first, I thought it was considered tank ready. Since I spent $100 on all the sand, I really dont want to change it out. I am hoping that once everything settles and "good gunk" starts to grow that it will not be so dusty.

What is filter floss?

 

[oz]

no sand wash = major dust cloud every time you, a powerhead or tank animal disturbs the sand.

new tank? wait until it's clear. remove and store the water. remove the sand and wash it.

 

[t_nix]

This is prob a dumb question, but how does one wash the sand?:confused2:

 

[gnashty]

Yes, like Becca said - take a 5 gal bucket and fill 3/4 with sand, put it in the bathtub (if this isnt an option take the project outdoors use a garden hose) and fill the bucket with water, let it overflow. All the fine particles will float right out of the bucket but the actual sand stays in the bottom, do this until the water overflowing is clear. dont turn on the water full blast but enough to churn the sand to get the particles to float, stirring lightly with your hand a couple times isnt a bad idea either. its a process, but you will be rewarded.

 

[dakota9]

Actually, the best way to wash the sand (if you truly want to go that route) is;


Drain the tank of water once it's clear. Retain a couple of buckets of the tank water that are 3/4 of the way through. Bail the sand out of the aquarium and pour through the pail of water, by the time the grains hit the bottom, they are as dust free as they will get, with the dust suspended in the water in the pail. A powerhead will help to keep the dust suspended.

A better option is to come borrow my two Magnum 350 Power Filters, you'd need to buy an additional diatom filter ($8.00 if you shop around) as I only have one at the moment. The magnum, along with Sea Chem Clarity will not only clear the tank, but after it's clear, you could stir the sand every hour or two, and eventually, the Magnums would clean out the dust that has settled to the bottom.

I live near the airport if you are interested.

 

[gnashty]

Yeah, that is another way to do it - probably take less time and labor lol!

Dakota9;495954 wrote: Actually, the best way to wash the sand (if you truly want to go that route) is;


Drain the tank of water once it's clear. Retain a couple of buckets of the tank water that are 3/4 of the way through. Bail the sand out of the aquarium and pour through the pail of water, by the time the grains hit the bottom, they are as dust free as they will get, with the dust suspended in the water in the pail. A powerhead will help to keep the dust suspended.

A better option is to come borrow my two Magnum 350 Power Filters, you'd need to buy an additional diatom filter ($8.00 if you shop around) as I only have one at the moment. The magnum, along with Sea Chem Clarity will not only clear the tank, but after it's clear, you could stir the sand every hour or two, and eventually, the Magnums would clean out the dust that has settled to the bottom.

I live near the airport if you are interested.

 

[ralph atl]

powerheads in 5 gallon buckets will work.

I use sugar fine sand for my wrasses and 2, Tunze 6105's.

 

[spiderman097]

gnashty;495953 wrote: Yes, like Becca said - take a 5 gal bucket and fill 3/4 with sand, put it in the bathtub (if this isnt an option take the project outdoors use a garden hose) and fill the bucket with water, let it overflow. All the fine particles will float right out of the bucket but the actual sand stays in the bottom, do this until the water overflowing is clear. dont turn on the water full blast but enough to churn the sand to get the particles to float, stirring lightly with your hand a couple times isnt a bad idea either. its a process, but you will be rewarded.

But what if it's live sand? Will the tap water kill all the bacteria in it?

 

[t_nix]

I dont know if it destroys all the good bacteria, but I bought live sand too and washed it with tap water without problems. It was WELL worth the time it took for me to empty out 92 gallons of water, scoop out 100lbs of sand, wash the sand, and then replace the sand and water (by myself while the hubby was at work)!! It made a HUGE difference to me!! Our tank is crystal clear and everything is happy and healthy so far! (well our tang does have a little ich, but it is improving)

 

[ralph atl]

rinse it with tank water! you can always not rinse a small portion of it.