First tank setup

[CobraChuck]

Hi all , I just started my first tank. 75 gallon , FX4 canister . First time using sand instead of gravel . I washed all the sand before putting it in the tank . Tank is filled , filter up and running , heater up and running . I’ve decided to do a fish less cycle(master kit + ammonia on the way) there is one issue I want to resolve before I start the cycle process. There is a “smoke” in the water , it also builds a small layer on the water surface . I did a 30-35% water change and that seemed to help. Im assuming this is something from the sand that the filter can’t capture . possibly I just need to wait since it’s so new or should I do daily water changes until it improves ? Thank you for any help

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Hi all , I just started my first tank. 75 gallon , FX4 canister . First time using sand instead of gravel . I washed all the sand before putting it in the tank . Tank is filled , filter up and running , heater up and running . I’ve decided to do a fish less cycle(master kit + ammonia on the way) there is one issue I want to resolve before I start the cycle process. There is a “smoke” in the water , it also builds a small layer on the water surface . I did a 30-35% water change and that seemed to help. Im assuming this is something from the sand that the filter can’t capture . possibly I just need to wait since it’s so new or should I do daily water changes until it improves ? Thank you for any help

That 'smoke in the water' could be simply dust from the deep purple sand.
I suspect it'll dissipate over time, but keep checking that your filter doesn't get clogged.
If, (and only IF), you need to wash that filter, do so using only aquarium water.

More important will be the readings you get from your test kit.

EDIT to remove spam link.

 

[CaptainBarnicles]

That 'smoke in the water' could simply be dust from the deep purple sand.
I suspect it'll dissipate over time, but keep checking that your filter doesn't get clogged.
If, (and only IF), you need to wash that filter, do so using only aquarium water.

More important will be the readings you get from your test kit.

Wrong thread Bruce

 

[Ellie Potts]

Probably just from the sand, it'll settle with time and water changes. I wouldn't be worried; should be gone by the time you add fish

 

[CobraChuck]

Thanks for the help, doubled checked the filter and it’s very clean . Did another 30% water change , considering buying a second “water polishing” filter to speed it up , any feedback on something like this :

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Thanks for the help, doubled checked the filter and it’s very clean . Did another 30% water change , considering buying a second “water polishing” filter to speed it up , any feedback on something like this :

An unnecessary expense.
I'll assume you are now a victim of effective advertising.

Like we've said, it'll clear itself soon enough.
Patience, Grasshopper...patience.

 

[CobraChuck]

I’ll hold off thank you

 

[I Like Rare Fish]

Fishless cycle is easiest. Good choice. Patience is needed for the sand to clear up, and for the cycle. My cycle took 8 weeks. You can’t estimate - it could take a few weeks, and it could take 10 weeks. I suggest the API Master Test Kit. It’s the easiest and most reliable at the price it is

 

[Myraan]

I prefer other brands - the API tubes are annoying and the nitrate test just silly, even if you shake everything properly, all the colours on the chart from 20 -80 are basically the same.

Having said that API is definitely cheapest so probably best to go for to start with

 

[I Like Rare Fish]

I prefer other brands - the API tubes are annoying and the nitrate test just silly, even if you shake everything properly, all the colours on the chart from 20 -80 are basically the same.

Having said that API is definitely cheapest so probably best to go for to start with

It’s a slight difference in nitrate, but just line it up with the color and voilá

 

[CobraChuck]

I just have the test strips right now , no2 no3 both 0 , ph 7 , kh 40 , gh 60 . API master kit arrives tomorrow , ammonia Tuesday so I’ll start the cycle then , hopefully it’s a few weeks but figure it will give me time to decide on decorations , think I’m leaning away from live plants for now

 

[Ellie Potts]

Thanks for the help, doubled checked the filter and it’s very clean . Did another 30% water change , considering buying a second “water polishing” filter to speed it up , any feedback on something like this

I have this filter… waste of money to be honest. Water polishing isn’t necessary

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

...Water polishing isn’t necessary

If it was wanted, (without having to be necessary), then I suspect a carbon sponge would do the job, or even fresh 'wool' pads.

 

[Ellie Potts]

If it was wanted, (without having to be necessary), then I suspect a carbon sponge would do the job, or even fresh 'wool' pads.

Yeah I agree. Just not worth buying an entirely new filter.

 

[Naughts]

A bacterial bloom is very common in new tanks. They are different to the beneficial bacteria. It clears by itself within a few days so no need for water changes.