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	prepping sand
LMuha Mega Fish Posts: 908 Kudos: 1144 Votes: 183 Registered: 17-Mar-2003	I bought a couple of bags of CaribSea Aragonite sand for a shellie tank I'm setting up in my 20 long. The bag says something about "ready to use -- minimal rinsing required." What does that mean? Am I supposed to rinse it before putting it in the tank, the way I'd rinse gravel? Or just put it in, fill the tank and wait for everything to settle? (The tank won't be getting fish for close to a month, so there's plenty of time to let that happen.)
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, The rule of thumb for washing substrates is to wash it until the over flow is clear and then do it again, and again. In this case they are saying that such extremes are not necessary and may even be harmful in that too much of the fines may be washed away. Personally, I'd wash it under running water till it ran clear and then add it to the tank. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	LMuha Forget the packaging and wash it under running water until it runs clean keep stirring all the time this allows the fines to float to the top. I always fine seive it first. Also do it in small amounts it is easer to do that way. I have always done this even some parcels have stated ready to use. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
Babelfish Administrator Small Fry with Ketchup Posts: 6833 Kudos: 8324 Votes: 1570 Registered: 17-Apr-2003	The idea behind washing is to remove those fine particles that would otherwise get picked up by a filter and jam the impeller. Small ammounts is easier to handle, as the weight of the water and the sand may get to be a bit much. I'd also suggest making sure the filters off when adding the sand. Good luck, have fun . ^_^ Current [link=Contest Rules]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Aquascaping/44382.html?200412022138" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link][/font]
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26
jasonpisani Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 5553 Kudos: 7215 Votes: 1024 Registered: 24-Feb-2003	Wash the Sand under running water & keep on doing it, till the water is clear. Don't care what the package says, just rinse it as much as you can. http://www.deathbydyeing.org/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/ Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970. http://www.maltaaquarist.com
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:26


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