I just got some pool filter sand for my 30 gallon tank and was wondering whats the best way to set it up, the tank is empty. Is there anythign I have to do in preparation, let me know
Pool filter sand
- Thread starter fhawk362
- Start date
Wash it in 5 gallon buckets. Fill the bucket about 1/3rd to 1/2 with sand, then turn your hose on and push it through the sand. Let the water carry all tiny particulates and grains that want to float up and over the top of the bucket. Continue doing this until the water in the bucket is completely clear.
Fill the tank about 1/2 way and get your heaters working. Use a cup or a funnel to get the sand into the water...don't just splash it in. You could also lower the entire 5 gallon bucket down into the tank and slowly tip it over on its side, then slide the sand out with your hand.
Once all your sand is in the tank, pile it how you'd like and add decorations. Once everything is settled, you can probably turn on your filtration. That'll depend on whether your water in your tank is full of sand or not. If there's too much sand in the water column, simply let it sit for a few hours and see if it clears up. You may have to do a few water changes to take out the majority of the floating stuff. As soon as you think you're not going to tear up your impellers with sand, get your filters working on polishing the water. Then, begin your cycling of the tank.
Fill the tank about 1/2 way and get your heaters working. Use a cup or a funnel to get the sand into the water...don't just splash it in. You could also lower the entire 5 gallon bucket down into the tank and slowly tip it over on its side, then slide the sand out with your hand.
Once all your sand is in the tank, pile it how you'd like and add decorations. Once everything is settled, you can probably turn on your filtration. That'll depend on whether your water in your tank is full of sand or not. If there's too much sand in the water column, simply let it sit for a few hours and see if it clears up. You may have to do a few water changes to take out the majority of the floating stuff. As soon as you think you're not going to tear up your impellers with sand, get your filters working on polishing the water. Then, begin your cycling of the tank.
Gerv pretty much nailed it. The only thing I did different was washing the sand in the tub(to much work to get to a hose) and I added the sand before the water and was just careful to when adding the water not to kick up to much sand.
If you wash it well enough you get very little floating particles
If you wash it well enough you get very little floating particles
I use the bucket method. PFS is easy to rinse, just rinse it and rinse and rinse it until its all clear. The only thing I do diff from gerv is since the tank is empty, I would just rinse your send, put it in the tank. Lay a plate in the tank on the sand, put your hose on the plate. This way it doesnt disrupt the sand. I've done my 75 and 150 both w pfs that way and could turn my filters on right away. Sand is awesome btw!
by far the best way is to guy paint strainer bags from home depot of lowes (they sell for $2 . the come in 1 gallon or 5 gallon bags. scoop the sand into a bag and run it under water for 5 seconds then put it in the tank (there will not even be imediate clouding). i've used pool filter sand for all off my past setups and its the best way.