laterite?

[Jen]

How much are you supposed to wash it before use? The box just says rinse, but it's really red, and there is so much dust there. Is it supposed to run clear?

 

[squirrelrabbits]

I just did this today but I've done it several times now. I put it in a fine sieve and run it under cold water (just let the tap run over it) for about 20 minutes or so, visiting in every few minutes to stir it up. It never totally runs clean (in my experience) but after about 20 minutes, I usually give up and start laying out my tank.

 

[Jen]

aewsome. thanks. Thats about how long I did clean it for, so maybe I'll just run the water over it again when I actually start puttnig the sand in.

 

[George Farmer]

It doesn't need to run clear, you'll be there forever! As long as the majority of loose stuff is rinsed off. Mixing with the lower third of the total substrate should prevent it from leeching into the main water column.