I switched to pool filter sand a couple of months ago and have noticed that my water quality goes south quicker than it did when I had gravel. Feeding habits are the same if not less. Anyone else have this problem? Filtration is the same as before also. I have a penguin 330 and an xp2.
Water quality worse since switching to PF sand
- Thread starter dsrowold
- Start date
I am interested in your experience in switching to pool filter sand as I am thinking about doing the same. Any updates since your original post would be appreciated.
does this pool sand have silicates in it?? i am not 100% but thought i read somewhere about silicates being bad...only other thing i can think of is a mass die off on BIO and will need to get back up again
Doug
Doug
I had a bad experience switching to pool filter sand recently. I think that a change of substrate caused a cycle in my the tank. My ammonia levels went crazy the water got cloudy and my fish started to suffer. My plec's eyes are still clearing up. I had to remove all fish, and all the water then used this Dr. Tims bb to initiate stable tank conditions. Since the initial cycle the water has been fine. Water is clear and readings are within reason still working on getting the ammonia down to 0 but hasn't gone higher than 2ppm.
how deep is the sand?
how close is the filter intake to the sand bed? Sometimes sand can clog up filters- fine particles getting stuck or blocking medias- its one of the inconviences of having sand but worth it for some species I keep.
how close is the filter intake to the sand bed? Sometimes sand can clog up filters- fine particles getting stuck or blocking medias- its one of the inconviences of having sand but worth it for some species I keep.