New Tank Set-Up

[LauraV]

I just set up a new 65 Gal. freshwater tank with red lava rock and driftwood. The water is rust color now, the filter is running. Will the water clear soon? Should I do anything else to help clear the water?

 

[reefdiver]

Did you presoak your driftwood? Did you rinse your lava rock? Driftwood leaks tannings turning your water brownish.

 

[christine2012]

Did you presoak your driftwood? Did you rinse your lava rock? Driftwood leaks tannings turning your water brownish.

+1 and adding carbon to your filter will help a little with the tannins. But the key is to treat that dw.

 

[LauraV]

Yes I soaked and rinsed off everything before placing in tank. The next day water is very dark rust color. The filter is running but I noticed no difference the next day. Don't know what to do or whether water will clear soon or is there something else I should do.

 

[christine2012]

Do you have a dishwasher? Is it small enough to boil?

 

[reefdiver]

You can try this take out your DW and do a small water change. That will tell you. What the problem is. I'm 100% sure its DW that may need more soaking in a different container. I ran mine under hot water let it soaked did the same for 3 days

 

[Bbarb27]

Yes I soaked and rinsed off everything before placing in tank. The next day water is very dark rust color. The filter is running but I noticed no difference the next day. Don't know what to do or whether water will clear soon or is there something else I should do.

How long did you soak your driftwood? I had to boil mine several times and then soak it for several weeks before I put it in my tank. I agree with others who have said the rust colored water is a result of tannins from your drift wood. Boil it and then soak for a long time. Carbon in your filter will help too but won't completely eliminate the discoloration.