Sand as a bottom

[losfreddy]

Hey guys. On one of my most recent projects, i decided i wanted my aquarium to be based on spring creek! i was gonna sift some natural rock out of creek, but then instead just loaded a bunch of sand in the bucket. Its natural river sand. I also got some sunken wood, petrified wood, fish and turtles from the creek. Now, ive never used sand before. The water is a bit cloudy. Can i expect that to clear up soon? suggestions, comments? I also wanna put plants in there, but the snails tear everything up.

[ossnap]

Did you rinse the sand multiple times before putting it in the tank? Every time I have added sand it takes multiple rounds of rinsing in a 5 gallon bucket before it starts to clear up. I've never had a problem with cloudiness after rinsing it well.

[losfreddy]

No. Didn't think I had to since the part of the creek I was at had flowing water. But guess I'll find out soon enough. Also added some clams. I read that sand needs critters that borrow to keep the sand cycling. That would suck if it doesn't clear up. I'll post pics when its all done

[ossnap]

Lots of small dust like sediment in the sand normally. This is what the rinsing gets rid of. It'll probably clear up over time with enough water changes, and when the sediment settles.

[ptran]

Do you have filter running?

[losfreddy]

yeah, i got a Lees filter. The box with a airstone thing..

the water remains a bit cloudy today. Im gonna add a classic waterfall filter and see if that makes a difference..

also, is sand from the creeks bottom a good choice? or would it be preferable to use dry beach sand?

[ptran]

How big is the aquarium?

[losfreddy]

20 gallons, estimated

[mredman]

Very interesting filter... I did not know these were sold any more. When I was growing up, we used box filters with activated charcoal and spun glass (very itchy).

Mike

[losfreddy]

Very interesting filter... I did not know these were sold any more. When I was growing up, we used box filters with activated charcoal and spun glass (very itchy).

Mike

Yeah, your supposed to use charcoal for carbon and stuff. Mines just set up as a simple filter. It's rocks and polyfil. They're really effective thou. I like them because it's easy to change, has high water flow and areates the water with the airstone. Perfect for low maintenance aquariums

[ptran]

Interesting indeed. Never seen this type of filter before.

[ossnap]

Interesting indeed. Never seen this type of filter before.

x2, I haven't seen that particular one before. Seems like the same basic setup as a sponge filter but with an enclosed box instead.