Misty 240l Tank With Sand

[seangrenyer]

Hi

Just bought a Juwel 240L tank.

1. Put a layer of sand in the bottom (special aquarium sand from LFS who said it didn't need cleaning - others have said the same).

2. Started filling with water direct from tap hose, through the filter entrance (using the standard Juwel built in pump/filter/heather housing).

3. About 2/3 full put half a dozen small plants in. No rocks or anything else.

4. Stopped filling just below maximum mark.

5. Water looked fine and clear after a few seconds when sand settled.

6. Added right amount of Aquasafe (blue liquid that dissolves after a few minutes).

7. 24 hours or so later there's a fine mist on the lower levels of the water. Sand looks settled and fine.

Any ideas? Is this standard for sand filled tanks?

Cheers.

Sean

 

[Bobtastic]

I was under the impression that it was always a good idea to wash your substrate regardless... Other than it being just normal substrate bits floating around it could be a bacterial bloom.

How are you planning to cycle the tank?

 

[youngfisher]

I have sand from the LFS (Coral Sand) and I washed it. Better to be safe than sorry IMO.

 

[gogfumble]

I bought 'pre washed' aquarium gravel from my LFS who also said it didn't need washing before putting in. From reading this forum though I decided to give it a wash and glad I did. The water that came of of it was really dirty and definitely would have made the aquarium water dirty.

 

[Nick16]

yeah, ALWAYS wash the substrate.

admittedly i didnt wash my akadama in my planted tank but i did sive it.

 

[marcybeth0281]

I recently set up my first sand-bottom and I agree with the others. It probably should have been washed even though it said it didn't need it. I'd do a few huge water changes since it hasn't begun the cycling process to clean the water and get that filter going. It should clear up and settle with time.

You'll LOVE your sand bottom! It looks so swanky when everything is clear and nice!

 

[Fisses]

even if its 100% pre-washed, you'lll still need to wash it over and over again.... this was my tank after adding PRE washed sand:

thats ho yours will look if you stick your hand in and start rufflinf all the sand as its all the dust and silt which is caused by the natural rubbing of sand particles.

this was it after a water change:

and another water change:

then the following morning i woke up to:

atfer all this my filter was completely clogged and didnt operate very well so had to majorly clean it

bert of luck trying to get it clear