Setting up with sand

[Refeer420]

Hey everyone out there,how's it going? So I'am setting up a new tank for my Purple Frontsand I'm using substarte Cichlid sand. I've been rinsing and rerinsing with hot water and it's still cloudy; I know that people said it's alot of work cleaning your sand and I have no problems with that. I'm just curious to know if my method is weak and I could be doing it an easier way.
Right now I'm using a big bucket, long stir stick, and I'm only putting a little sand at a time. Then some really hot water stirring it around for like 5 mins and dump, then repeat.
So I was wondering if maybe I should put all the sand that I'm going to use into my tank and just do it in there? Or should I stick to what I'am doing?
Any help would be great! Thanx....

 

[jmart.cooper]

you could try putting it in a pillow case then maybe dunk it or spray it with a hose outside that might work

 

[skene]

When cleaning any substrate you should be using cold water and using your hand to stir. Reason being, when trying to move things around with a stick you are not properly circulating the substrate enough for lighter dust and such to come out.

Once the water clears up as much as it will, then you can put the sand into your tank, but also remember that no matter what a sandy substrate will cloud up the water until it settles.

 

[Ric Foster]

put your sand in a bucket or rubermaid tub. go outside and use the garden hose. stir it with your hands while the water overflows until the water runs clear enough for you. (5-10min) then put it into your tank. while filling your tank with water, try to not stir up the sand. all done

 

[Refeer420]

Wow! Thanx for the quick responses guys, I totally like the rubber-maid garden hose method. Thanx for the help guys

 

[addicted2cichlids]

you gotta man handle that sand stir it up and by the time youre down youll have popeye forearms!

 

[cvermeulen]

I find even fine gravel winds up clouding the water for a few days. As long as it's not large particles that will poooooch your pump it's ok. I ran my RUGF for probably a week with a 50micron filter sock before the water cleared up.