how do you clean the sand?

i am about to set a tank up with sand for a change, and i just wondered how its cleaned

Search on here, there is many threads that will answer this.

I just hoover over the top of it so i get the gunk off the top http://www.fishforums.net/style_emoticons/default/good.gif

oh tis that easy?

wish i had all sand tanks now

Ace, i think Hawkins means how to clean the new sand when setting up the tank. I may be wrong?

Hawkins, if you do mean that, half fill a bucket with sand and run a hose into it (or the tap) so it gently overflows. Mix the sand around with your hand in the bucket and all the dirt should be washed out of the bucket as the water overflows. Keep stirring the sand until the water runs clear. Add the sand to the tank. Repeat until all the sand is washed.

Be aware that i find it doesn't matter how much you wash sand, it will still make the tank water cloudy. Sod's law, just do what you can.

If you didn't mean that, i'll just bury my head in the sand again (if you'll excuse the pun?).

BTT

This post has been edited by backtotropical: Jul 1 2008, 10:20 PM

it is EASY but a word of warning....


when you think its clean it isnt!


so clean it for a bit longer... and then when you think it's clean...

... it isnt....

... ever got sand in your swimsuit or trunks... and you think you've got it all....... and you really havent!!!

its the exact same thing!




I totally agree -- just keep running water through it until it runs clear

but it will turn your wter cloudy for a little bit

mine's clear now though

On another note, Hawkins, which type of sand are you going to use?

A word of advice, if you want just normal aquarium sand, don't go to your LFS for it. They charge a fortune just because it has "Safe for Aquarium Use" on it.

Go to argos and buy playsand. It's about 1/8 of the price, and virtually the same stuff. Many members on here use it with no ill effect.

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/s...Terms=play+sand

BTT

i actually recommend coral sand......

personal choice though

Coral sand is fine so long as you are keeping fish which prefer hard alkaline water, as coral sand will leach calcium carbonate into the water, raising the pH and kH.

Coral sand wouldn't be a good choice for keeping fish which prefer soft, acidic water. e.g. Discus, Rams etc etc

Argos play sand is inert and will not interfere with water chemistry.

As you say Sara, it's personal choice, but the chemical properties of the sand need to be considered too.

This post has been edited by backtotropical: Jul 1 2008, 10:45 PM

Ahh damn, You just might be onto something

nope i meant when its in the tank and covered in poop.


I already have sand, it was £5 for 5kg (rip off i know! ) its silver sand

im yet to put it in the tank yet

<--------------------------------------------------------------- Was right

Do they have a little dance icon ?

well i'll shush then

hehe... i find sand easier to clean then gravel - but i do find everytime i do clean it i lose a little bit as it gets sucked up the siphon

Yeah, I didnt take being correct very well did I, Shame on me....

But add to sara1's point, dirt just sits on top of sand, I found everytime I did a WC the muck would get kicked up into the water and turn mucky for a while even with constant gravel cleaning. Where as the sand didnt

For what its worth BTT, you saved me asking the question - the 3ft tank I'm setting up at the moment is going to have argos play sand in it - cheers!

Reminds me of a drunken dad dancing...