First Tank! Gravel, Water, Filter Question

[Paul621]

I am in the process of setting up my very first tropical tank (20 gallons). My problem is with the gravel. I rinsed it, let it soak, and rinsed it some more until the rinse water was clear, as far as I could tell. I put it in the tank, then started to add water. Apparently, and unfortunately, I had not rinsed the gravel perfectly, and the water stirred everything up. Now, my water is cloudy blue. Where do I go from here? Should I....

a) Install the filter and hope it takes care of some of this?
b) Let it settle before using the filter.
c) Start over.
d) Other?


Thanks for any help, and hopefully someday (when I have some experience!) I'll be able to return the favor.

 

[ara35]

i would use the filter and try and get it out... i am also new at this but i know if my tank gets cloudy (when i added sand), it cleared up quick after running the filter. be sure to cycle!!

 

[Paul621]

i would use the filter and try and get it out... i am also new at this but i know if my tank gets cloudy (when i added sand), it cleared up quick after running the filter. be sure to cycle!!

Thanks! I was afraid that all the sediment might mess up the filter.

I'll definitely be cycling! I won't be adding any fish until the end of the month anyway, even if it cycles well before then.

 

[Luketendo]

Why is the tank blue though?

 

[tetraqueen]

added too much dechlorinter? been in with methlyne blue before? What colour isw substrate?


Personally you are buying a new filter. I would start from scratch and cycle with ammonia and use dechlorinated water to rinse it off.

It saves on fish and this time was my first fishless cycle and I believe my fish are 100% happier. I just did not know before.

 

[Paul621]

Sorry, I wasn't clear on that... it's blue because the gravel is blue. I haven't started any type of cycling yet. All I've done is rinse the gravel and add water.

 

[Luketendo]

Sorry, I wasn't clear on that... it's blue because the gravel is blue. I haven't started any type of cycling yet. All I've done is rinse the gravel and add water.

The gravel shouldn't do that..

 

[tetraqueen]

If its blue it will look blue in the tank but if its blue out of the tank No I agree it is not good and maybe dye.

 

[darkwolf29a]

Does it look like dots? If so, it might be little pieces. If so...that should go away VERY quickly. If it lasts too long...there's something wrong with the substrate.