Deep Seven
Aquarium Advice Addict
Well that seemed to work well. The slow flow and angle of the water seemed to flush the water column without disturbing the sediment. After an hour or two the water was clear and I could see all the dirt settled at the bottom.
At this point I increased the water flow. This caused the water in the tote to start a gentle swirling or whirpool effect. This picked up some of the organic matter that was laying on the surface and caused the water to become slightly cloudy again.
After about 20-30 minutes of high flow I turned the tap down again and left it for about another hour, after which the water was clear, except for a few roots or twigs still suspended in the water column. I slowly tipped the tote over dumping most of the water out, stopping when the dirt at the bottom started mixing into the water.
I then whisked the soil really well, stirring it up real good, and refilled it with water using a hard spray to aerate it really well. (It can get dirty. I recommend doing it outside with safety goggles).
I imagine I'm going to have to repeat the flushing process a few times. As soon as the water clears within 24hrs of being whisked and aerated I'll call it a success and start the mineralizing process.
At this point I increased the water flow. This caused the water in the tote to start a gentle swirling or whirpool effect. This picked up some of the organic matter that was laying on the surface and caused the water to become slightly cloudy again.
After about 20-30 minutes of high flow I turned the tap down again and left it for about another hour, after which the water was clear, except for a few roots or twigs still suspended in the water column. I slowly tipped the tote over dumping most of the water out, stopping when the dirt at the bottom started mixing into the water.
I then whisked the soil really well, stirring it up real good, and refilled it with water using a hard spray to aerate it really well. (It can get dirty. I recommend doing it outside with safety goggles).
I imagine I'm going to have to repeat the flushing process a few times. As soon as the water clears within 24hrs of being whisked and aerated I'll call it a success and start the mineralizing process.