got a new tank, and decided to use sand, help!

[Racersk]

After 2 days researching, I opted NOT to deal with play sand from the Depot...I went with the brown bag/green writing silica sand... 100lb bag for $7.25 +tax. 2-3 minutes after adding the sand to a half full tank 95% of the debris had settled, one tank drain, and refilled to desired level... 1/5- 2" thick in my standard 90 gallon and it looks awesome! Bright and 'Chuck', my rescued fancy tail goldfish from my pond(long story) thinks it's just fine! (doesn't like me much though! haha)

 

[PostalPenguin]

I find that water clarifier and a AquaClear quick filter attachment on a powerhead clear the water overnight. Added the water clarifier and within minutes could see the sand aggregating. Then after about 2-3 hours the quickfilter had removed most of the sand from the water.

Had to use this method even after washing the play sand extremely well in a bucket.

 

[smpage]

I don't know what went wrong. I could not for the life of me get that sand clean

rinsing is only one step. as stated previously, you just needed a few water changes and you'd have been set. Playsand has quite a bit of floating particles that need to be removed via water changes. It's all good though because you know have a superior sand.

 

[drdrewr]

Anyone using argonite sand? What would be the positive/negative in using it?

 

[drdrewr]

Nevermind. I decided to go with PFS (just picked up 250lbs @ $48). I went to Home Depot and they said they no longer carry pool-related items!!! Luckily, there were two pool supply stores not too much further away.