View Full Version : used tank sand questions
philhawk
01-01-2007, 4:52 PM
i bought a 30 gal and it was set up and running when i got it but there is a fine powder that seems to be covering and intermixed with the argonite. i have no idea if they rinsed it or not and if they didnt a: how harmful is it. b: can i fix it
currently it is a fish only tank but i think i will be adding inverts and coral in the future.
secondly, i dont think that there is enough substrate and how should i add more if there already is a fish in the tank (there is about 1/2" to an 1")
UnderwaterGirl
01-01-2007, 7:04 PM
Just do a hydro on the gravel. If its fine dust, the hydro should be able to take out all of the particles.
UnderwaterGirl
01-01-2007, 7:05 PM
Didn't see your second question. Use a dish to carefully put the new substrate in. The fish will move out of the way. Just make sure not to dump an entire huge bag in at once
Just do a hydro on the gravel. If its fine dust, the hydro should be able to take out all of the particles.
I just did a substrate vac, and it removed all of the fine particles on the surface of my aragonite. I recommend that too.
philhawk
01-02-2007, 10:56 PM
are there any brands of substrate vac you recomend.
i have a python siphon if thats what you mean by substrate vac.
and my other question, do i need more?
UnderwaterGirl
01-02-2007, 11:26 PM
Any syphon tube and hydro will do....just make sure it is the right size for your tank. I think you are asking if you need more substrate??? If you have a pic i can tell you if you need more.
RadleyMiller
01-03-2007, 3:41 PM
If you only have one inch of substrate, I would add more depending on what you want to run. If you want a DSB then you need a lot more.
Mattcomptonassvanhorn
01-03-2007, 4:11 PM
Well your pretty screwed when it comes to adding more substrate. (JK) What kind of fish are in there now and how hardy are they? If they are just damsels and a pygmy angel you might be alright adding new argonite very little at a time. Or you could this. Go to your local LFS and ask for some of the argonite already in there tank. If there like the ones around my parts they will ablige and should only charge you the same amount. That way it is already pre-rinsed and pre-cultured so you can just add it to your tank. New argonite would cloud your water and cause your fish some problems. You shouldn't need that much more though. Probably 2-3 more inches.
DO WORK!
philhawk
01-03-2007, 11:29 PM
right now i have a false clown and a coraline beauty angel.
i want Anemone for the clown and maybe some feather dusters. possibly some sort of goby or blenny.
im running an aquaclear 50 filter on the 30 gal tank.
im assuming that you mean deep sand bed when you say DSB but i havent really seen much info on that in my reading. what are the benifits and reasons for doing it other than asthetic?
any suggestions for tank additions/ decor would be great
thanks.