new tank adding water

[mdenismd]

Just added the water to my 55 gal tank. I then added the live sand. The tank is very cloudy. My question is should I run my pump to circulate through the sump? Or put two small powerheads in the main tank only to ciculate or do not circulate until the water is clear and the sand is settled? Any help is appreciated.

 

[demonsp]

Well order is water ,rock then sand.But just be sure rock base is on th glass.A HOB filter will help and it will settle.

 

[Deb91]

I would not run the powerheads and let the sand settle.

 

[demonsp]

A hob filter and good flow would help reduce alot of this loose debris.Just letting it settle means it will be there to be kicked up later.THe cycle is the best time to remove this.

 

[mdenismd]

Thanks, the sand that I have is the finest grain (Natures Ocean). How long should I expect until it become clear?

 

[demonsp]

A week or so depending on the HOB filter size ,then replace the media after its clear.

 

[mdenismd]

Ii do not have a HOB filter, Is this common for the water to be that cloudy? What if I do not the filter and let it settle would that be ok? Thank you

 

[seanb1]

just run your powerheads, and be patient.

 

[mdenismd]

So is pretty normal for it to be cloudy for a while? Thanks

 

[Deb91]

Yes it is normal for it to be cloudy. Do you have your live rock yet?

 

[mdenismd]

Today me and my girlfriend went and picked out 50 pounds of fiji rock at my LFS. We just added it about 2 hrs ago. I did place it on the sand is this going to be a problem?

 

[Deb91]

No just make sure that you wedge the bottom ones into the sand so they won't be able to slip or your clean up crew or fish can't get underneath and cause them to tumble over.

 

[mdenismd]

Thank You.

 

[demonsp]

You want the large base pieces on the glass bottom level so they dont wobble then secure medium pieces with epoxy or you could drill a 1/4 inch hole and secure with pvc. A landslide could cause glass to break and or coral loss.

 

[mdenismd]

24hrs. and clearing up.... slow. That's OK, patients I do have. Thanks again for your help.