Washing Sand

[bheron]

Hi,

Am in the process of cleaningout my tank. Too much excess nutirents!! Was planning on switching out my 1" sand bed but am finding it hard to find a cheap alternative to southdown (I have a 220g)

So I was thinking of siphoning out my current sandbed and rinsing it of all the detritus, etc.

Anyone ever try this? Any tips?

 

[SCR]

Yes but only a small section at a time.

 

[john rochon]

yes I just did this on my 500g. I put in a MAXIJET 1200 attached to a hose, going to the sink. then I attached a garden hose to the tap and washed washed washed. I'd stop every once in awhile to let the MAXIJET empty the tank and start again.

 

[bheron]

thanks all.

john rochon - so im thinking your method was to kick up the detritus with the garden hose, letting the sand stay settled and the maxijet suck out all the junk that floated up?

 

[SCR]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12644831#post12644831 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by john rochon
yes I just did this on my 500g. I put in a MAXIJET 1200 attached to a hose, going to the sink. then I attached a garden hose to the tap and washed washed washed. I'd stop every once in awhile to let the MAXIJET empty the tank and start again.

I would think this method would be OK on a fresh water tank but never would try it on a salt water set up.

 

[bheron]

ok. why?

 

[fareforce]

Re: Washing Sand

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12644196#post12644196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bheron
Hi,

Am in the process of cleaningout my tank. Too much excess nutirents!! Was planning on switching out my 1" sand bed but am finding it hard to find a cheap alternative to southdown (I have a 220g)

My local lowes carryies pulverized limestone in the garden center. It is basically the same thing as southdown. Being that I am in Alaska I can only assume that most Lowes store carry it. I think it is about $5 per 40# bag.

 

[bheron]

hi, i've found that some people here locally have used that too. there's been alot of research and some good results. My only hesitation is that some say its a littled darker than the pure white southdown? I know, Im being picky, right? I guess I could buy some and check it out.

 

[SCR]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12649823#post12649823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bheron
ok. why?

You would end up with a tank full of FW if you used a garden hose hooked up to a tap.

If you are starting over with a complete new set-up (New sand,rock and clean up crew) then it would be ok.

 

[bheron]

oh. well the washing would take place somewhere outside of the tank. In a bucket in a sink, for example.