Problem with sand in new tank

[Joehays]

I just set up a new 65 gallon tank and I got all purpose sand from the hardware store as substrate. I didn't wash very thoroughly and my tank is clouded very dark with sediment. I have a canister filter rated for a 150 gallon tank with cotton in one of the media trays, will this pull out the sand? And if not how should I clean out this tank. The catch is I have my friends Fish in an oxygenated bag that'll last for 5 or 6 more hours and I need to get him in the tank, please help! Thanks.


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[Gill Blue]

the fastest way to clear it is with two hoses. one running water in, one draining water out, and you stirring the sand in between. depending on the filter, that dust is like sandblasting the insides of the filter reducing it's lifespan.
unfortunately the fish won't last for the 1-6 weeks it will take to cycle the tank.

 

[Joehays]

I ended up scooping all of the sand out, emptying the water, and cleaning the filter. I filled the tank up and then added the "instant" cycling bacteria into the filter and tank. I left substrate out. I am currently going with a glass bottom. Both fish are in (small oscar and small pleco) and they have been doing well for the past 3 hours, I acclimated them very meticulously. I plan on adding sand soon, and next time I will definitely go with aquarium sand from a fish store. My question now is how can I add the sand to the tank without stirring it up too much and disturbing the fish. Also how well will the instant bacteria supplement work? Thanks.

 

[Joehays]

I also just added the old filter media from my other tank, so cycling should not be an issue anymore right?