I cleaned 100 pounds of black diamond blasting sand and put it in my empty aquarium( I ran out of daylight to clean the other 50lbs). I spread everything out and now the sand seems very hard. My question is will me filling up the tank loosen up the sand? I know i am supposed to aggitate the sand so I don't get dead spots in it and i was going to use MTS. It seems like the sand would be to hard for them to burrow through. Any help would be great thanks everyone.
Anyone that is using sand...
- Thread starter Bcox
- Start date
Not sure how your grade compares to mine, but:
I have 60 grade silica (about sugar size) in my Geo tank, very easy to dig/burrow in water. All wet sand will feel hard packed if not under water.
I have 60 grade silica (about sugar size) in my Geo tank, very easy to dig/burrow in water. All wet sand will feel hard packed if not under water.
If you're not sure whether you'll like it, start by adding some water, then sand partially. several inches of water first, then add sand at one end of aquarium with a decent amount of water above it. I say 'at one end' bcuz it's a job scooping out a whole tank full of sand if you don't like it.
Run your fingers thru the sand's top layer to see what you think. No need to stir, it's gonna feel the same under water either way. When fish want to dig or burrow, they don't go fast as lightning. the water slips under the top parts as they go, and sorta helps it 'lift'.
It should be OK. Lots of people like that black diamond. If there are different size grades, that is what would make a difference in digging "feel". bigger/coarser is harder for fish.
What kind of fish are you adding?
All I do is roughly rake through my sand during some water changes. not every time. it's much cleaner than gravel.
Run your fingers thru the sand's top layer to see what you think. No need to stir, it's gonna feel the same under water either way. When fish want to dig or burrow, they don't go fast as lightning. the water slips under the top parts as they go, and sorta helps it 'lift'.
It should be OK. Lots of people like that black diamond. If there are different size grades, that is what would make a difference in digging "feel". bigger/coarser is harder for fish.
What kind of fish are you adding?
All I do is roughly rake through my sand during some water changes. not every time. it's much cleaner than gravel.
What you're experiencing is a "wet pack". You could use it to start building a nice sand castle, or if you want to ruin everyone's fun then add more water and it will loosen up. I would fill the tank and get it cycling and then give the sand a good stir before you add any MTS.
+1. Sand hardens as it dries after it's been wet. Putting water in will soften it right up.