[shavon]

I have just decided to convert from gravel to sand. What is the easiest way to clean the sand before putting it in the tank.

 

[Melissa]

you will have to put the sand in a bowl and rinse it that way. just fill the bowl with some water with the sand in it, mix it around with your hands then dump the water out.

 

[squiggles1]

u may know but u have to be sure to turn the sand when it's in your tank to keep harmful pockets from builing up in it and harming your fish

 

[shavon]

Thanks guys.

 

[musho3210]

when you get the sand you should grab two handfuls, one with each hand, and rub them together and let them sift through your fingers, and fall to a bucket of water, repeat until finished. this way will help preventing the sand from compacting whilst in the water

 

[shavon]

Well I followed the advise everyone gave me. Thanks. I now have sand in my aquarium. I added the sand while doing a normal water change. I figured it would be easier to clean between taking the gravel out and putting the sand in. It clouded the water a little bit. Is this normal? I figure that it will clear up in a couple of hours but just wanted to make sure.

 

[Lupin]

It's normal. It will settle in a matter of hours although minutes is possible since you said it is clouding slightly.

 

[shavon]

I want to thanks everyone for their support and help.

 

[Donut]

A bit off topic, but related...

Is there any special procedure to cleaning the sand as compared to gravel? Do you lose a whole lot of sand using a gravel Vac?

 

[musho3210]

use a gravel vac but dont stick it in the sand and dont leave it near the sand. Get close to the sand and stir the gravel vac in figure 8 motions over the sand, the detriutus is on the top of the sand bed

 

[Donut]

I would assume similar for using a substrate for plants? Go into the gravel almost to the depth of the substrate?

Does that get to be a pain?

Also (hopefully not going too far off topic), can you add substrate to a tank that already has gravel in it? How?

 

[Lupin]

I would assume similar for using a substrate for plants? Go into the gravel almost to the depth of the substrate?

I just vacuum the gravel once a week around the plants. The plants don't like frequent movements around their roots and bases. I rake the gravel so the detritus will appear making it easier for me to vacuum the detritus out.

oes that get to be a pain?

I have to admit sometimes it is.:lol:

Also (hopefully not going too far off topic), can you add substrate to a tank that already has gravel in it? How?

Yes. Just go on adding the substrate although I don't like the idea of mixing gravel and sand together.

Reason for editing: Spelling corrected.

 

[Donut]

Thank You Blue.