cleaning play sand

[Smart1]

None of the methods I've seen here are worth a crap. I have a great method that WORKS!!
1) Get a decent length and shallow Rubbermaid tub.
2) Pour in 50lbs of sand
3) Prop up one end of tub so you have an incline (like a sleuce box) to form an incline.
4) Get a chair
5) Sit down with your water hose in the tub, stir the sand with the hose as the water runs.

All the light dust and other crap will flow off and sand will be clean in around thirty mins. Just keep it moving until water runs clear.

EASY!! QUICK!! AND LITTLE WORK!! P.S. -- Whoever came up with that pillowcase methos should be tarred and feathered.

 

[Smart1]

Some pics of the tank I added Play Sand to on Saturday for my baby Stingray.


Simple Incline Tub Method I Used. I found an old ceramic bowl to make an incline and was done in less than 30 min.

 

[duanes]

When I wanted sand 20 years go, I tried play sand. It is light weight and too easily stirred up and when it does, it getting into filters and destroys pump impellers, doesn't happen immediately, but as you can see below, a costly mistake. I now only use PFS in tanks with sand.

 

[rob1984]

When I wanted sand 20 years go, I tried play sand. It is light weight and too easily stirred up and when it does, it getting into filters and destroys pump impellers, doesn't happen immediately, but as you can see below, a costly mistake. I now only use PFS in tanks with sand.

x2 ! exactly what i mentioned above, i didnt go with play sand for the very reason especially with fish that will be BIG monster's after awhile ! one swat of a tail or scuffle will cloud a entire tank in no time !

 

[Smart1]

If you wash the sand well enough, the lighter particles go away. I have another tank (180) that has had no probs w/ impeller damage etc. As long as you use a quality filter with a top mounted impeller you should have no probs.

 

[Smart1]

And btw: if you read the label on the PFS you always get a warning about silica content. Silica is okay for aquariums but is known to turn brown easily and require more frequent cleaning and promote algae. That being said, it also has many positives. I've used both, but I guess it comes down to preference...........Whatever blows your skirt up.

 

[rob1984]

And btw: if you read the label on the PFS you always get a warning about silica content. Silica is okay for aquariums but is known to turn brown easily and require more frequent cleaning and promote algae. That being said, it also has many positives. I've used both, but I guess it comes down to preference...........Whatever blows your skirt up.

+1 i have pfs (white) and when i used my t5h0 dual bulb fixture it turned brown and got ahrd crust on it after 3 days of having the light on only for 6-8hrs a day, i hated it !! basically form what i read if you have enough phosphates and silica and nitrate in the tank with a bit of light brown algea will grow like a SOB once it starts it VERY hard to control