I need some help

[GrBeast001]

I setup a new tank about a week ago and put in a sand substrate. Unfortunately I cannot get it clean. I have tried using two different size siphyns small and big and nothing. I hoover them at a tilt but it sucks up all the sand or nothing at all.

I tried using my net but that just makes a mess of things and does not really work.

I am at a loss because I have used sand before and had no problems cleaning it.

Oh and the reason I posted in here is because I plan on putting stingrays in the tank.

Please help

Thanks Ahead of time!

 

[rallysman]

if you use a large diameter tube it will create a stronger siphon. Maybe the siphon hose you have now is just too small?

 

[rvrrays]

The best method I have found for cleaning sand is placing it in a 5 gallon bucket and letting the garden hose run in it until the runoff is clear.

Now that it is in the tank, your best bet is to keep stirring it up and let your filters do the work for you. You can add some fine filter material to your filters. You may also want to add a powerhead for some extra circulation to keep things stirred up until it is clean. The downside to this is that you run the risk of eating impellars due to sand.

A final resort would be to use a diatom filter. They literally polish the water.

Colin

 

[Nick660]

Sand can hold a lot of dirt!
If it was me, I think I would syphon all the sand out of the tank, then wash it in a bucket until the water runs clean before putting it back. This way, less chance of scratching the glass or damaging impellers.

 

[GrBeast001]

hello again thanks for all the advice, maybe I should of been more clear. I did wash the sand very good until it was clear before I put it in the tank. The reason it is getting dirty is because i am cycling with some tetra in the tank.

 

[Nic]

make it easier on yourself and just go bare bottom....

 

[demetron]

so if your cycling dont u want it to get dirty?????????

 

[jonahonah]

another way i just learned is when siphoning kink the hose around your finger whn the sand gets near the top of the gravel cleaner causes a slowing of the power and the sand doesnt come out. this works real well for fine grained silica sand or coral sand

 

[GrBeast001]

thanks for the help