Sand

[cracks]

Ok so after my heater failure that killed all but 6 multis I saw no reason for them to be in the 55 no more. So while at the fish store I picked up a 5 lb bag of sand: Caribsea super naturals. It's granular size is that of sugar and makes the water cloudy.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/tomoneill/fish/8c0d3830.jpg

I washed the sand and added to the water without any filters running. I do daily water changes of approx 1/3 but it's still cloudy. Could this be because of the multis digging and extra sand staying trapped in the water column? The intake tube of the filter sits 1/2 way up the tank and I'm pretty sure the water from the filter isn't causing it. Any sure way to clear it out? Is it just the sand? Will mixing play sand into it help it out or should I just drai. The tank and start over with playsand. Any help is appreciated.

Btw if it wasn't in haste I would have used play sand from the beginning, lesson learned.

[Flareside]

never add sand to an already filled tank. You are seeing one of three scenarios:
1 sand particles suspended in the water causing it to be cloudy
2 the particles on the glass giving the water a cloudy appearance.
3. a new cycle
what I would do

1 Take the multi's out
2 vacuum while draining the tank completely
3 clean the inside glass
4 refill with python or hose- with a bowl or something on the sand, so the filling water doesnt disturb the sand
5. add water conditioner
6. Run a seasoned filter for a couple of hours prior to adding multi's

[cracks]

had a seasoned sponge filter running in the tank when i had some fry in there and only just recently took it out thinking that was causing the sand in the water so i dont think its a bloom or start of a new cycle. i use a syphon to get the water back in and run it along the glass so it doesnt disturbe the sand.. i guess draining wont be too much of a problem, ill live with it till i get a chance to wash some more play sand

[Flareside]

why do you think you need to add play sand?
Do you not get it, or just chose to ignore the reply?

[cracks]

not ignoring at all but not really following.. all my other tanks except 1 have play sand and never has this problem even with removing gravel and swapping it for sand without draining. the only tank that doesnt have play sand has tahitian moon sand. i was just thinking that the main problem was with the size of the sand itself?

[Flareside]

I took the time to answer when nobody else did. I know what you are seeing, try what I said- drain and refil the sand you have now and see how it comes out

[fischfan13]

Personally I think it could be the sand was not rinsed enough and it's going to take some time to settle.
Is there a filter running right now?

[cracks]

I am gonna drain & fill the tank tonight or tomarrow. There is a HOB filter running and I took the sponge out on Sunday. Time will tell if it was washed good enough or not

[Tito]

As with all sand issues - time clears them all. Stop playing with the tank - get a good PS3 game instead lol.

[cracks]

As with all sand issues - time clears them all. Stop playing with the tank - get a good PS3 game instead lol.

I have been. Downloaded God of War 1 & 2 and been working my through them when I'm not staring at my tanks lol. Also been playin dead space 2, if you havent got it yet you should

[triscuit]

+1 for letting it be- The silt will settle out. You can try some filter floss if you want to speed up the process. Either way, the fish are fine.

[cracks]

Just an update: let be, did 50% WC once a week and now much better and waiting for the blue occies I'll be picking up at RSC this weekend :coool!:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/tomoneill/fish/826581b3.jpg

[Reel Addiction]

Give it time to settle, as said before stop playing with it. I wouldnt add play sand unless you want it more cloudy then it is. I dont use play sand at all.