Rinsing pool filter sand

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frankthetank

Gambusia
MFK Member
Feb 2, 2008
129
0
16
Naples, FL
How in the heck do you rinse pool filter sand? Or does it even need to be washed before putting into a tank? I was thinking of putting the sand on a towel and rinsing water through it but that seems messy and like it would take a large amount of time. Maybe I'm just retodded :screwy: lol

Also do you think using pool filter sand will cause problems with my power filters (emperor 400) like clogging or doing any damage?
 
What I do is to use a piece of PVC pipe with a cap on the end and holes drilled down the length. (I use it for gravil as well) the other end has a garden hose fitting on it. Connect it to the hose, push it down into the bucket and set the water flow low enough that it dosn't wash the material out of the bucket. Move it around a couple of times and watch for a clear flow.
 
Good quality Pool/Spa filter sand should need little if any rinsing... and now that I've said that, listen to what Wolf3101 said :D.

This sand is more course than play sand and should stay on the bottom, just don't have your pickup tubes to close if you have big finned fish.

Dr Joe

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With an E400, besides raising the intake tube...I'd recomend cleaning out the impeller chamber every other month or so just in case of build up. it's a closed hole basicly and will collect the odd bits of sand over time and will damage the bearings eventually.
 
I used a good old fashion bucket, hose, and hands. :D
 
Yea I used a 5 gallon bucket and my bathtub (I unfortunately don't have a hose hookup outside my apartment). However, if you also have roommates that won't be thrilled to see you spilled sand all over the tub and floor I don't recommend that option......

Other than that it didn't take me long at all. Fill bucket, fold sand from top to bottom with hands, pour out water, repeat. Since the sand it really coarse it doesn't stay suspended very long and you don't really lose any when pouring out the water.
 
hey man be careful when putting pool filter sand into your tank before washing. i had to make at least 70+ bucket refills. i gave up because i could never achieve clear water so i just poured in what i rinsed.

was somewhat cloudy but it cleared up after an hour or two. when i stirr up the sand in the tank the water becomes cloudy.

if you havent bought the sand yet go buy some high quality PFS. worth it. you dont wanna waste your time like me.
 
what about 3m colorquartz? anybody have experience with rinsing that? i just purchased 100lbs of the s-grade and was wondering whats the best way to rinse...im guessing the same way, just rinse until clear...?
 
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