Sand In New Tank

[methodmza_uk]

Hi guys,

I just last night put sand in my tank and left it over night. It has settled this morning, but it very murky. I know it will probs take longer than this, but does anyone know how long it will take to clear up, or is there anything I can do to clear it up quicker as I want to add some fish at the weekend.
Maybe a water change?? I dont know.

Here is a pic of what the murkyness is like.

Any suggestions please. Will be sticking some plants in there on Friday. Dont want any wood, not really a fan of it, just going for plants and rocks.

 

[stang1]

It should only take a couple of days to clear but as long as you have a heater you are best adding your plants now. We let our tank settle and then added plants and it made the water murky again.
How long has your tank been set up?

 

[methodmza_uk]

It has been set up for nearly a year. I just decided to change it over as I have had work on my house done and emptied the tank and gave my fish to someone else. So starting fresh with sand. I will take your advice tho and stick some plants in this evening after work.

I stuck my old filter from my other tank in there as well to clear it up quicker.

Would a water change do anything at this point or is it worth just leaving it to settle?? Thanks a lot

 

[stang1]

You could trty a water change but to be honest you're best waiting for it to settle. I know how frustrating it is! We went through exactly the same thing and then when it had settled we had to test the water and wait for the nitrites to come down! It seems to take forever but its well worth it in the end.
What fish are you getting?

 

[methodmza_uk]

Yeah think i might try a small one and see if it helps. If not, will just have to wait i suppose. I shouldnt have to wait for the nitrates etc as the bacteria in both filter media will be already there to sort out that.

Not sure what fish yet, defiantely some sort of catfish, probably a bristlenose as they dont get too big, I really want some Tiger Barbs, but may go for Pentazona instead as they are a bit more peaceful. A nice shoal of cardinals or neons or rummy nose. Something along them lines. Maybe some of each. some corys as well, gotta love corys!!

Suppose it depends what the LFS have in stock.

 

[stang1]

We went for the Pentazona and they are really peaceful. We have 6 of them, 2 male and 4 female and they are no trouble at all.

 

[methodmza_uk]

Yeah its just trying to find them thats the problem. My LFS doesnt sell them, and I cant seem to find anywhere that does. Will search around tho.

Cheers for the advice mate. Any ideas how long it will take for it to settle?

 

[stang1]

It should only take a day or two. In our tank you couldn't see the back of it cos the water was so murky but after a couple of days it was completely clear.
As for the Pentazona Barbs, most auatic shops will order them in for you if you ask them.

 

[methodmza_uk]

Ah quality, might be right by the weekend then, but I will defo get some plants tonight and put them in. Want quite a few in there, some big ones to cover the filter and heater on the right.
Cant wait till its up and running.

Cheers again

 

[stang1]

No problem
You'll have to post pics when you've got it sorted, I'd love to see it.

 

[methodmza_uk]

I will do, will stick it on the users aquariums bit later on this weekend I think. Cheers