Hi. My tank was amazing a few days ago. I decided to add sand as it was bare bottom. At first I thought the cloudy water was from the sand and that I hadn’t washed it properly. But it looks very much like a bacteria bloom. Anyway, saying that I haven’t washed the sand properly, have I got to do a huuuuuge water change to stop the cloudiness? And by doing so am I risking putting my tank into another cycle?? I have a pregnant ray and don’t want her getting stressed. I have pond pearls to put in my filters to help if need be.
Didn’t wash sand properly
- Thread starter BOOMSHAKER
- Start date
A big water change won't hurt your cycle. Some of it will settle over time,stone will need to be removed from water changes and filtering. May want to use a pre filter if you don't already to keep the sand out of your filter.
I never wash my sand. It sounds like you just have a bunch of sand particles in the water column, a water change will help remove it but if you give it time it’ll settle on its own. Also the sand in the water column won’t cause any stress on your fish.
Reduce circulation or filter rate for awhile can help it settle faster
Water change will help, filtration will help, I found just rubber banding a big wad of filter wool over the filter intakes and rinsing it out when it starts to clog works well. But, ugly.
I have two fx6 and a waver maker on it. It does seem to be clearing up. And I really wish I could post a video as my rays looks mega happy today. Making me not want do a big water change and let it settle itself. Seems pointless doing a big water change if all my fish are as happy as they are.
I’m very OCD with my fish and spend most of my time looking at them so I “think” I know when they are unhappy and action is needed.
I’m very OCD with my fish and spend most of my time looking at them so I “think” I know when they are unhappy and action is needed.
I’m no way shape or form would a large water change be a negative side affect. It certainly won’t make your fish any less happy, in fact it might increase their mood due to the fresh new clean water in their system. It’s a win win for both of you to do a large water change!
This is my water. Is it sand fog or bacteria bloom? If it’s just sand fog I will defo do a big water change tomorrow. If it’s a bloom I will leave the water change for a couple of days.
With the situation you described it is most likely sand particles. Your filters will also thank you for the water change 
I would also suggest once your water is cleared to give your filters a check and rinse any sand debris from them as well
I would also suggest once your water is cleared to give your filters a check and rinse any sand debris from them as well
Quite normal to get a bacterial bloom after adding sand. There is a huge amount of surface area to get colonised.
Also quite normal for dust particles in sand, even if washed. Water current circulation, bottom sifters and large fish stirring the water will delay the time this takes to settle out.
Also quite normal for dust particles in sand, even if washed. Water current circulation, bottom sifters and large fish stirring the water will delay the time this takes to settle out.