SD Sand Causing Cloudiness/Film

[lawndoctor]

Two days ago, I rinsed 150 pounds of SD sand, put it in my new 75, and turned the pump on. The pump immediately stirred up the sand surface and made the water cloudy, but I expected this to go away in a day or two as I experienced with my previous tank. The cloudiness has not diminished at all and the overflow, tank, and sump surfaces are covered with a whitish film. Has anyone had a similar experience? Any suggestions as to cause or remedy? Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Patience me boy, patience. Personally I never rinse sand (you want that ultra fine silt), it takes a few weeks for the sand to become coated in bacteria but eventually it will settle down.

 

[chris s1]

hey i am in my 2nd week after adding 200lbs of HD sand into a 55 gallon, i can almost see through the tank to the other side. i figure another 2-3 days and it will be crystal clear. i was shocked that it took so long to clear, but after reading up on the sand on these boards i found that this is normal...

 

[zandar_tem]

When I set mine up about 8 mo. ago it was cloudy and scummy for about 10-15 days since then crystal clear.

ZT

 

[lawndoctor]

Just wanted to let you guys know that you were absolutely right. My tank started clearing up yesterday and is just about crystal clear today. Thanks again.

 

[esmithiii]

FWIW- Mine cleared up in 48 hrs. I didn't rinse it and I used a tupperware container that I set into the sand and pumped the water back into the tank into the tupperware container as to not disturb the sand bed any more than neccessary.

E