Cloudy Water

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bckane

Aquarium Advice Freak
Joined
Apr 21, 2004
Messages
210
Location
South Florida, Miramar
Ok 1/2 fulled my tank with ro water, mixed in salt let run for several hours with powerhead. rinsed off the sand then started adding it to the tank. I have about a 3" sand bed,added the rest of the mixed water started up the filter, its been running for about 24 hours and I still can't see the back of the tank. about how long does it take for water to start cleaning up.????
Here's a photo of the cloudy water after 24 hours
Salt%20and%20Sand.jpg
 
It will probably take a few days since you added the sand after the water. I tried what fishfreek recommended and put sand in first and then put a trash bag or a plate on the sand and started filling. I could see clearly in less than a day. No big deal though, it will just take a little longer. Might want to turn off your powerheads though, sand is rough on them. Once it settles then add salt. HTH
 
I have the powerhead off, just running the filter. I should be getting my skimmer on monday...and my live rock on thruday. Should I start the skimmer as soon as I get it.?
What about adding a shimp now.? or just wait for the live rock.?
 
bckane said:
Ok 1/2 fulled my tank with ro water, mixed in salt let run for several hours with powerhead. rinsed off the sand then started adding it to the tank. I have about a 3" sand bed,added the rest of the mixed water started up the filter, its been running for about 24 hours and I still can't see the back of the tank. about how long does it take for water to start cleaning up.????

I put in my sand first and then added the saltwater. My water was extremely cloudy for about 1 1/2 weeks, but after I put in the liverock (my pump, protein skimmer, and powerheads had already been running) it cleared up within the next couple of days and now it looks great!
 
So I should just leave the filter and powerhead running, and when I get my skimmer turn it on.....then add the live rock and wait.????
 
That is exactly what I did - and now mine looks crystal clear! I was so excited when I could finally see the back of the tank!!! I also doubled up the prefilter material in my sump to help extract more of the silt out. Good luck! :jump:
 
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