Ocean Direct Live Sand - help!!

[pacificdiver]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to reef-keeping, and I added Ocean Direct Live Sand (80 lbs) to a 120 gallon tank a few days ago. Apparently the "no rinsing" label is not quite accurate. My question is, what else can I do to clear the water, or do I need to give up and do a 100% water change to get rid of the particulates? My skimmer is taking some out, but it just seems to never make a dent - total blackout conditions in the tank. The "Magnaclear" packets basically didn't do anything.

So far, I've been changing filter socks twice per day, and running the skimmer. Is there anything else to be done, other than tear the entire thing down and start over? Thanks in advance!!

 

[homer1475]

Just leave it be, it will eventually clear up. Did the same thing with about 60 pounds of sand and it took nearly a week and a half to finally clear up.

 

[neiltus]

view the 1st page of my build thread, there is a photo after putting sand in tank.

 

[Tisbe]

There is not much more you can do. It will clear. Once it settles use a vacuum with the end going into a filer sock or you will be battling dust storms for awhile.

You can't really clean live sand unless you use saltwater or you kill anything that is live. I prefer to use dry sand, wash is thoroughly and then let it become live in the tank over time.

 

[pacificdiver]

Thanks for the responses. Definitely a lesson learned - I have had several fish-only SW aquariums, but left the hobby before "live sand" became a thing you could buy in a bag. I was assured it needed no rinsing, which is a completely ridiculous claim.

Thanks again!

 

[Tooboot]

I didn't use live sand, but didn't do much cleaning either. All in all I had a cloud or storm for about 2 weeks, then suddenly it all cleared up and I could see my aquascape again. I did add some water clarifier from seachem but IMO it wasn't necessary.

 

[chrisfont23]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to reef-keeping, and I added Ocean Direct Live Sand (80 lbs) to a 120 gallon tank a few days ago. Apparently the "no rinsing" label is not quite accurate. My question is, what else can I do to clear the water, or do I need to give up and do a 100% water change to get rid of the particulates? My skimmer is taking some out, but it just seems to never make a dent - total blackout conditions in the tank. The "Magnaclear" packets basically didn't do anything.

So far, I've been changing filter socks twice per day, and running the skimmer. Is there anything else to be done, other than tear the entire thing down and start over? Thanks in advance!!

Since I assume you have a nice film at the top of your tank too, you can try to skim it off. It's tedious though if done manually. Google "surfacing skimming reef tank"

 

[Ou8me2]

Thanks for the responses. Definitely a lesson learned - I have had several fish-only SW aquariums, but left the hobby before "live sand" became a thing you could buy in a bag. I was assured it needed no rinsing, which is a completely ridiculous claim.

Thanks again!

Live Sand in a Bag was available when I entered the Hobby in the middle 90's. However, many seen it a snake oil type product and some still do all these years later. I prefer the dry sand so I can wash it and it's usually cheaper. I usually use filter socks and some poly-fil in the sump, seems to clear it up fairly quick.