Murky water

[Helium_Junkie]

I have just started my first sandy tank, and the water is reaaaaally cloudy. Its been sat there a day now.
The filter is on, should I turn it off and let the murky crap settle to the bottom? I dont wanna just stir it up again when I stick decor in...

 

[heresmike]

What kind of sand are you using? Did you rinse it thoroughly?

If you're using play sand, you need to rinse it, rinse it, rinse it, and then rinse it some more 'til the water runs clear. If you're using play sand, I don't think turning off the filter would help because eventually it will get stirred up when you vacuum.

 

[Helium_Junkie]

What kind of sand are you using? Did you rinse it thoroughly?

As thoroughly as I could! Water was clear in the bucket.

Its "Aquarium Sand" by B.D.Trading

 

[heresmike]

I have no experience with that kind of sand. I've used play sand and Tahitian Moon, and have not experienced any cloudiness with either. But like I said , I think turning off the filter would only delay the murky problem.

 

[FishDan]

Sometimes sand does this. Especially if there is any fine dust in the sand, sometimes rinsing doesn't get it all out. I have known sand tanks to take a couple days to clear up. I would just be patient, I'm sure it will clear sooner rather than later.

\Dan

 

[Helium_Junkie]

Well I've put a poly pad in the filter, would some coagulating stuff help? The stuff that makes fine bits stick together.