question about sand

[mench]

I have started setting up a 125 wild tank....I searched all over my city to find white sand...all I could find is sandbox sand...so I got some and put about 2 in. in the tank...now I am not sure it was the thing to do..I have heard from folks on Simply that have told me that I didn't need to pre wash the sand,well I have been filling and draining the tank all day and the tank is still milky white...every time you move the sand it looks like smoke coming from the sand....now does this go away with more water changes or did I use the wrong stuff...like I said this is the only white sand I could find....I think I will give it a few more days of filling and draining...I didn't want to have a bb tank for the wilds,but I may just have to put in some wood and fake plants and leave it at that...anyone have any ideas???

mench

[Wahter]

You even tried checking with Ace Hardware and see if they have or can order their pool filter sand?

I think this is it:

http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/aqua-quartz-pool-filter-sand-50-lbs-p-69631.html

From what I've read it's easier to manage and clean than play sand and it isn't as light weight/ fine.

Hope that helps,


Walter

[mareshow]

i had the same problem, it can either be two things:

1) the sand is too fine and gets blown around way too easily

2) When the sand was dry it rubs against each other and creates dust, (what you are seeing right now)

my money in on number two, as i had the same problem.

what i did is mix around the sand vigorously and then do a W/C with a siphon till the water level is less than an inch at the bottom. then repeat.

Thats what i did and i went from a milk to crystal clear water, (well minus when my rays are fighting lol)

before (this was after quite a few cycles till it was minimal)
http://s575.photobucket.com/albums/ss194/mareshow/New%20Tank/IMG_3666.jpg

after (about 2 months later):
http://s575.photobucket.com/albums/ss194/mareshow/New%20Tank/DSC_00017.jpg

[rickztahone]

that tank looks great mareshow

[mareshow]

yeah i think it turned out pretty good, i was pretty concerned about it when i initially put the sand in because i couldnt see the back wall! but now i'm really enjoying it, especially since its at the foot of my bed. i think when it comes to sand patience is key because it takes some time but once its settled it look awesome! the only thing is with the rays in there, every w/c i have to dust the sand off everything! next time i will go with a bigger grade sand so i dont have to deal with it as much

[zamboniMan]

I always rinse my sand first. Maybe its not necessary but its certainly less frustrating.

[Discus-Hans]

I used pool filter sand, but we cleaned it before use, saves a lot of %$#$%^&$ lol

Mare, nice tank, I see 2 heaters good job.

With some wood sticks from http://www.manzanita.com/aqwood.htm you can hide the heaters and intakes for your pump, just an idea,

Hans

[jeffh2]

Mench, I got my sand and plants from ABC petcity in Fairport about 10 miles from you. I used the Marinelife Marine sand 25# bags. Natural, non-buffering and high surface area so you can vacuum it. All my plants come from their also. The family that owns the store have raised discus for many years and I get all my info from them They are great folks.

[jeffh2]

sand and plants
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j196/jeffh2/discus022110046-1.jpg