Cleaning Sand

[garyspence84]

Today I'm going to pick up 3 bags of argos' finest play sand and am going to set about the task of cleaning. I know its going to be a right pain in the .........!!

So, I thought if I was to put it all in a massive bucket, run a hose to the
bottom of it and let it run for how ever long it takes to get clear results. Every 10 mins or so, give it a good stir up and drain as much excess water out and repeat again, and again and again, till I start getting some good signs of clearer water.

Does this sound like it could work or is it all just crazy talk?

I have watched a video on here of someone doing a cool we trick with a bottle which looks to be a real good way of cleaning it, but I'm looking to just get it all done at the 1 time. Fish will be completely removed as well as everything else in tank (water included).

Any input at all would be much appreciated.

Gary

 

[DrSlackBladder]

I made the change a couple of weeks ago, using the bottle method, and keeping fish in throughout. I used PetsAtHome gravel sand. Bottle method was quick, clean and easy, taking less than an hour from opening bag to watching corys digging their new clean sand, with clear water, in my 100 litre community. I deliberated for weeks over whether or not to use the risky but reputably effective bottle method; took the risk and would recommend it to anyone. Personally I can't comment on how effective with Play Sand, but I see no reason why not!

 

[garyspence84]

Yeh I followed your thread. Like yourself, I've been pondering over it for a while now but just going to do it. I'm not going to gradually take my gravel out over time like what you did, think I'll just try blitz it all in 1 go.

Saw the pictures of your tank, looks awesome. When I saw your finished result that's what made me decide to pull the finger out and just get it done. Some difference isn't it? Looking forward to it (not the cleaning part though).

 

[DrSlackBladder]

Huge difference, so glad I did it. And replacing the fake wood with real wood made a big difference too. I now see my Amanos all the time, as opposed to never seeing them! Good luck with the change; look forward to seeing the pics!

 

[garyspence84]

Well that's me got the sand just got 2 bags, should be enough, if I need more I can always get some more.

The uld "ball n chain" has decided to invite folk round tonight, which has ruined my Sunday night tank cleaning plans so it will have to wait till tomorrow night now. Might make a start on the cleaning of the sand though, before folk start turning up. Any progress is better than nothing I suppose.

I will be posting pictures on my "severum tank journal" in the journal part of cichlid forum with all progress made.

 

[garyspence84]

Well, I've washed the 2 bags of sand to my very cold hands limit. I put the sand in a massive bucket and ran a hose into it for well over 2 hours now, constantly drilling it up, draining excess water out and doing it all again. So if its still not clean (which knowing my luck, it won't) then I'll have a dirty tank for a while.

All i need to do now is empty the tank of water, fish wood and gravel, clean it, put the sand in, fill it up, heat it up and get everything back in, sharpish.

Looking forward to it (like a kick to the stones)

 

[msasa19]

i got that sand. did it outside with the hosepipe and put a bit in a bucket at a time, put the water in and mixed like crazy, it creates this dirty film so then pour the water out and do it again till it stops appearing, then its done i had no cloudiness whatsoever

 

[garyspence84]

That's pretty much what I've done and its looking good and clean. Water is clear, even when I mix it up. So now its time to get stuck in.

 

[DrSlackBladder]

Good luck, look forward to seeing the finished result. But if you've washed sand 'til your hands are cold, and now have to empty your tank of water, substrate, plants, ornaments and fish to add the sand, it only reinforces my belief in the bottle method! Anyway, hope all goes well, and Happy New Year!

 

[BigFish01]

What i did wa put all my fish in an 11 gallon kitchen trash can. (the tall one) and hung my hob filter from it. My fish were in there for 36 hours. Then i drained my tank and cleaned it out and painted the back and put sand and ornaments back in and filled it heated it and back in with the fish. Was when i had my 55 gal. Would not go back to gravel again! Just a thought.

 

[garyspence84]

Done. What a mission! Looks amazing though. Can't wait for the water to clear completely.

About 3 hours of sand cleaning (might have been more), and 2 hours overall to completely empty and gut out my tank. I've never had so many buckets all in use at 1 time haha so glad its done. Never want to go through all that again.

Will post some pictures when I get a chance. I'm working tomorrow 12pm night shift so might not be able to post pics till Wednesdiay, but I will post them.

Oh! And happy new year