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	Substrate clouding water
cappa Fingerling Posts: 28 Kudos: 14 Votes: 1 Registered: 13-Jul-2006	I have a small 20 litre tank I wanted to grow plants in. I have a 4cm thick layer of some clay type soil(I can't remember what its called) and a 4 cm layer of river sand on top of that. Since I filled the tank the 'dust' or clay particles have settled onto the top of the river sand. Should I rely on my filter (a sponge filter) to remove it or should I siphon it out? Reason I ask is that as soon as I come near the gravel I cloud up the tank again and have to wait some time for it to settle again. Thanks Cappa
Posted 17-Feb-2007 06:23
OldTimer Mega Fish USAF Retired Posts: 1181 Kudos: 1294 Votes: 809 Registered: 08-Feb-2005	Well, I doubt that a sponge filter (I'm assuming this is an internal air driven type filter) will remove dust particles very effectively. If you want it out you will probably have to siphon it out with your gravel vac. Make sure you just move the vacuum tube lightly over the surface trying not to disturb the gravel and you should be able to get most of it. Or just leave it and it may filter down through the larger surface gravel. Jim Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain
Posted 18-Feb-2007 05:05
cappa Fingerling Posts: 28 Kudos: 14 Votes: 1 Registered: 13-Jul-2006	Thanks OldTimer I did that and also a large water change. It seems to be clearing up slowly but it will be a while before any fish can go in.
Posted 18-Feb-2007 07:19
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, When dealing with a "layered" tank it is really a good idea to own a diatom filter, such as one of the Vortex brand filters. The clay particles are so small that once into the water column it can take months for the water to clear up. Running a diatom filter will do the job in minutes or an hour or two at the most, no matter how cloudy the tank is. This will happen again if you are careless with filling, replanting plants, or siphoning the tank. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 18-Feb-2007 09:23
cappa Fingerling Posts: 28 Kudos: 14 Votes: 1 Registered: 13-Jul-2006	The problem I have Franc is that the tank is only a 20 litre and I can't seem to find any sort of power filter that wont turn it into a whirlpool. I would love to have a power filter in there. What is a diatom filter and how does it work? It sounds like a good piece of equipment... Thanks Julian
Posted 19-Feb-2007 21:33


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