settling sand!

[lazymut]

Hey, im setting up a new home for my axies a much larger one and i've decided to use sand instead of pebbles. What would be the best way to get the sand to settle?
i.e sand in then add water, fill with water then add sand
once the sands in should i turn the filter off to let it settle or will that just stir it up and slow it down?

any replies appreciated thanks!!

 

[ali000]

definately sand in first or it will be a real mess. One way to stop too much stirring up when adding the water try putting a plate/bowl upside down on the bottom and pouring the water onto there rather than directly onto the sand, if your tank furniture is in there when you add the water you can pour it onto one of them rather than a plate.
Whatever you do you will get some disturbance which will require time to settle, although this should only take a couple of hours. I would also leave the filter off while it's settling.
Finally (sorry) remember to wash your sand thoroughly, this will cut down on it clouding the water, which may take lots of water changes to clear.

 

[lazymut]

thanks very much
wish i would asked before i did it now XD
lots of water changes for me !

 

[philbaker76]

Sorry to hijack the post, but I've just added sand to my set-up.

It's proper aquatic sand; I didn't wash it and it's been cloudy since Saturday afternoon - any suggestions? I want to get my Axolotls back in their tank ASAP!

 

[lazymut]

same situation here!
i think you have just got to do lots of water changes!
im doing mine as we speak!
good luck

 

[ali000]

yep, I think water changes is the only way. OR empty it, wash the sand and start again!!!

sorry

 

[ali000]

just to add

you need to wash it even if it's aquatic sand the same goes for gravel (not with axies of course) it's really dusty when you get it , you'd think it'd be safe being meant for aquariums..... lazy manufacturers

 

[philbaker76]

Bahhh! I've only just re-sealed the tank and set it up! ...wish the guys at the aquatic shop would have told me!!!

Job for the weekend I think! Nevermind.

 

[vanillaXtiffy]

Water changes and turn your filter on. I set my tank up last Thursday, and today it was finally cloud free and crystal clear.

 

[Saspotato]

Yea, you need to wash any type of sand very thoroughly in order to avoid cloudiness. I washed my (standard stuff from a hardware store) sand well beyond when the water stopped being cloudy and the sand had settled after about 10 minutes. I think if you haven't washed it, do 20% water change each day and have your filter running all the time.

 

[philbaker76]

Cheers guys. I'll do a 20% change tonight.