Didn't rinse sand!!!!

[Mattadams88]

When I set up my 45 gallon aquarium I didn't rinse the sand...it has been up and running for 3 months with fish,shrimp, and snails. I am going to deep clean my tank today but I am worried when I mix the sand if it is going to get all cloudy and dirty and kill my fish! Any advice please

[Rivers2k]

Vacuum the bottom every couple days until water comes out clear. Making the water cloudy with unrinsed sand will kill your fish.

[GBHammbone]

i would just gently stir small sections of the sand at a time. a little cloudiness isnt going to hurt anything, you just dont want actual sand getting sucked up into your filter as it could jam up the impeller.