How Soon Can I Put Them Back In?

[fluffycabbage]

Ive just finished putting sand in as a new substrate. Its still pretty cloudy after half an hour. So im assuming that means there are still fine particles floating around? The small tank was like this but to a lesser degree (obviously coz its a smaller tank, smaller volume), and didnt clear til the morning. Didnt have fish in that at the time though.

The fish are in a big bucket type thing, with the airstone in it. Its holding its temp fine. Fish seem fine.

Do you think its just a bit of discolouration or not? Should i switch the filter back on?

 

[Carp4U]

The cloudiness is just caused by dust and sand floating around, although the sand should sink to the bottom quickly. Did you rinse the sand first? A lot of dust and dirt gets into the sand, therefore you should thoroughly rinse it BEFORE putting into the tank. If you didn't then all I can say is to wait until it settles and from now on use a gravel vac to clean it which will suck up the dust. Don't put the fish back until it's cleared off. And yes, I personally see no harm in turning the filter back on as soon as the dust has almost all settled (otherwise it'll stir it up again)

 

[fluffycabbage]

thanks - oh yes i rinsed, 3 times the fish bucket got a little cold so i put the heater in it and the mollies started going a bit bonkers, swimming round and round it

 

[Channti]

My tank was cloudy after adding sand. I put the fish in a bucket and ran the filter on the bucket. I did water changes on the tank til it was clear, then put the heater and filter in the tank, and acclimated the fish.