Murky Water From Sand?

[keri578]

So I just got my 55 up and running, it has an emperor 400 filter. I used pool sand for the substrate and rinsed it thoroughly with warm water in sections before i put it in the tank. The tank is now filled. I have a few java ferns in there and the old filter from my 10 gallon with the beneficial bacteria. The water is very murky? It's obviously from the sand, it has a brownish tint to it. Is there anything I can do to clear it up? The filter has been running for almost a full 24 hours and I see very little improvement. I've added a bit of salt since I plan on keeping mollies. Could the water be tinted from the Java ferns?

 

[Davehutton92]

do a water change should get rid of most of it

 

[fluttermoth]

Agreed.

You also need to be feeding the tank with some sort of ammonia/ammonia source or your bacteria will die off. Add a pinch of fish food if you don't have anything else

 

[Rickzayne]

Had this problem with my 180l the other day. Left my filter running for 3 days and then did a water change

Now pretty much clear.