Sand washing

[tttnjfttt]

How will I know when my sand has been washed enough? Right now when I pour water on it, it gets really really murky, but settles down by the time i go to take the water out.

 

[Grey Legion]

here is a good way to do it..outside of course

#1 - get a large bucket ( for fish use only )

#2 - fill it 1/4 - 1/2 with sand and tip one side slightly

#3 - using the garden hose slowly fill the bucket with water allow the water to overflow the bucket ( that is why you tip it ) and keep filling it slowly with water until the water starts to clear up.

#4 - when it is clean give the sand a good stir and do #3 again

this should take about 10 - 25 minutes per bucket ( depends on size )

you may also still note some cloudiness when the sand is inthe tank but it will clear in 24 - 48 hrs... small water changes also help..

 

[Inchworm]

Hi tttnjfttt

If you are using play sand it takes a lot of rinsing to get all the fine silt out, but IMHO, it is well worth the effort.

I wash small amounts, like 6-8 cups at a time, in a clean dishpan, and just keep rinsing and stirring until the water runs clear. It will take time this way, but I would rather spend the time at the sink than having to deal with cloudy water once it is in the tank.

 

[Ben]

why not just get Pool Filter sand?
no cleaning needed

DD

 

[tttnjfttt]

Its done!!! the water was clear when i was washing it, but its a little cloudy now from filling the tank up. i'll post pictures tomorrow of it.

I actually tried to find pool filter sand, but I couldn't find any I'm in a really small mountain town, so the only pools here are at the motels, no joke.

EDIT: The fish have had some time to get used to their tank. The tiger barb's color is back to normal and they ate like piggs when i gave them food. (thirty mintues ago, i had one taker for food, now EVERYONE ate)!