Sand For Tank

[martyn413]

Hi everyone,

As you may know i've just got a juwel vision 180 and have decided to use sand. The problem i have is the sand requires rinsing yet it takes ages and is very dirty. Is there an easier process or can i buy sand that doesn't require rinsing?

I know some people have used argos' play sand now does that need a lot of rinsing?

Thanks in advance.

Martyn

NB i got my sand from Pets at Home

 

[jflowers]

I use play sand, brilliant stuff, just put a hose in a bucket with the sand and leave it on low flow for a few hours, giving it a stir now and again.

Jon

 

[three-fingers]

If I remember correctly, pool filter sand doesn't need washing before use, a quick rinse is probably still a good idea though.

 

[Alverez]

I use play sand, brilliant stuff, just put a hose in a bucket with the sand and leave it on low flow for a few hours, giving it a stir now and again.

Jon

how many gallons of water are used doing it that way ??

 

[martyn413]

is play sand just as dirty then?

 

[waterdrop]

I've heard it said that with everything you put in your tank you want to "rinse to clear" or else it'll be much worse dealing with it after its in the tank.

I don't know the answer about which sand starts cleanest. There are though, a lot of threads discussing sand on TFF.

 

[jflowers]

I use play sand, brilliant stuff, just put a hose in a bucket with the sand and leave it on low flow for a few hours, giving it a stir now and again.

Jon

how many gallons of water are used doing it that way ??

Not sure sorry, not on a meter so not really a worry for me.

is play sand just as dirty then?

You could use it straight off, but would cloud the water for a while. much better to use the bucket method to get rid of the fines. cheap builders sand could have anything in it, at least you know play sand is safe for kids, thats good enough for me

Jon

 

[pastabake]

It shouldn't be too dirty because its already been washed to remove the iron that would stain kids clothes, so you'd just give it a bit of a wash to make yourself feel better. Lets face it the bottom of most fishes streams or ponds wouldn't make ideal play material for the kids.

 

[doresy]

There is just a bit of dust in Argos playsand that needs a bit of rinsing.

I transfered some into a new bucket and run the hose through it till the water was clear. Emptied that into the tank then repeated till it was all done.

Took me an hour........easy work.

Not trying to be argumentative but what is wrong with a little effort/work these days???

 

[jflowers]

Not trying to be argumentative but what is wrong with a little effort/work these days???

The effort is what makes it all so enjoyable

 

[doresy]

Not trying to be argumentative but what is wrong with a little effort/work these days???

The effort is what makes it all so enjoyable

ABSALUTELY!

 

[martyn413]

I have no problem with errort however working long days then the long drive home its time for dinner then off to bed - well almost.

I just wanted a to know if there was a simpler way.

I guess i'll have to wash a little bit at a time. Hopefully it will be worth the wait.

I've put some fake plants into the tank today which has made it look a lot better than before. My reason for fake plants is that i cannot be bothered with real plants because i had problems with them before and really can't be dealing with them. I don't think they look nice but that is my opinion.

I am still cycling my tank righ now and its been 10 days since i added ammonia and no sigh of nitrite. Gonna get some mature media from my mum's tank and add it to my filter.