How to get rid of "dust " in tank

[mr.bigglesworth]

I want to do a sand waterfall on my tank and I'm worried about this too. I wonder if you could get rid of all the really fine particles that don't sink quickly by rinsing and keeping the sand agitated in like a bucket with a hose for a while until only the heavier particles remain?

That's what I did. Works like a charm with my play sand from home depot.

 

[Jag586]

I can't remember why I got rid of my sand... wish I didnt

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[joe jaskot]

They make a think called a diatomaceous (diatom) filter. LOL! It's purpose is to polish the water. It works. They have been in the hobby for years.

 

[Drstrangelove]

Dust has a large range of sizes, up to 1,000 microns, but can easily be far smaller to the 1 micron level. Since you can see it, it is at least 20 microns, but if you are not seeing particles but just a 'haze', then it could be smaller.

Did you fully wash the substrate before using it? Are you doing a full vacuum of the substrate?

Since you can't use a HOB, throw a 10 to 25 micron filter sock over your outlet. (If you are using the 'standard' size of 200 microns), most of the dust is flowing right through it. Agitate, filter, wait until sock clogs, clean the sock, replace sock until it stops clogging, repeat. It make a take a while, but the dust should clear.

It will likely clog up fairly fast (which is good.)