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I just purchased Laterite to add to the substrate (first time I've added anything other than gravel). I added the first package to the shallow first level of gravel (1/2" or so) and when I was opening the second package I noticed the instructions on the back and realized I hadn't read them...I didn't rince the first package and had already covered that end of the tank with more gravel. I know it's going to be a mess when I fill it. I've got a H.O.T Magnum and a Magnum 350 that I can put the micron filter cartidges in...do you think that will take care of the mess? I would really hate to remove half the gravel and try to rinse it.

Thanks
James

Personally I think it'd be easiest if you do go ahead and remove the gravel now before you start adding the rest. Rinse that and start over. Otherwise you'll just be putting the filters at risk for getting dust into the impellers, having lost 2 impellers so far from dust it's not something I'd wish on others . At the very least if you've already added the water, do a deep gravel vac to try and suck as much out as possible before running any filters on the tank.

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Just what I didn't want to hear... I guess I can get a dust pan and scoop the top layer off and try to get most of it.

As long as the laterite is capped by enough gravel (over an inch as it should be) I would not bother. I have rinsed laterite and not rinsed it before, either way it makes some mess when you fill the tank. Just be careful to not disturb the substrate much when you fill the tank and it won't be an issue. I would just not worry about it, it does cloud a bit regardless of whether you rinse it or not but it settles quickly and yes, your filter should remove whatever is left. I haven't broke a filter with laterite dust yet.