Sorry to sound like a complete noob, but how do you clean sand before you put it into your aquarium? and How do you clean the sand once it is in the aquarium without sucking it up the syphon? I plan on switching later this week and need to know the answers to these two questions first. Another question. Will it be harmful to my fish to put in complete new substrate?
switching from gravel to sand
- Thread starter bowiefish
- Start date
I just fill a 1/4 to 1/3 of a bucket with sand then stir it up with running water. The dirt should just flow out and stuff. Once its in the tank, I don't clean the sand anymore since it becomes compact and the dirt/poop/excess food will just stay at the top.
What kind of sand are you going to use??
Although pretty much any kind of sand is going to take some time to clean, the bucket method works well... keep sifting with your hands till the water is fairly clear.. your not likely to get completely clear water..
Syphoning your sand is not much different than doing it to gravel.. just pay attention that you don't suck up too much time cause it will go up your hose.. but that's really not a big deal anyway, cause you can put it back in one way or another...
Oh, and the advise above^^^
Vac your sand.. food, poop and whatever else will get into your sand.. not everything sits on top...
Although pretty much any kind of sand is going to take some time to clean, the bucket method works well... keep sifting with your hands till the water is fairly clear.. your not likely to get completely clear water..
Syphoning your sand is not much different than doing it to gravel.. just pay attention that you don't suck up too much time cause it will go up your hose.. but that's really not a big deal anyway, cause you can put it back in one way or another...
Oh, and the advise above^^^
Vac your sand.. food, poop and whatever else will get into your sand.. not everything sits on top...
from reading other peoples threads i have decided on pool filter sand. thanks for the advice fishmamma.
i just did play sand in mine bucket method works good i took a hose to the bottom and helped sift through until water was clear coming out. It still might take a little time to settle all to the bottom my fish really seem happier