I just got a 55 gallon tank from my buddy. It had 2 sick looking Oscars, a pleco and a gold fish. When I picked it up i took every thing out dumped his gravel because I'm going with sand. anybody have any suggestions that i should be doing to clean and sterilize this tank? Also I'm sure i should put the sand in the tank before water? I've never set up a sand tank and want to do everything just right. any input would be greatly appreciated!! thank you, crusch84
setting up a used 55 any suggestions
- Thread starter crusch
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WhiteDevil
Aquarium Advice Addict
yes add sand before water, fill about 10 gallons add the decor.
when adding water to a sandbed tank, use a dinner plate to not disrupt the sand.
to clean, bleach and dechlor a few times, bleach once.
I go by glugs but if you have a good dechlor like sodium theosulfate you can put in 100 glugs and 1 glug of water and the ST will eliminate the bleach by products and residues.
when adding water to a sandbed tank, use a dinner plate to not disrupt the sand.
to clean, bleach and dechlor a few times, bleach once.
I go by glugs but if you have a good dechlor like sodium theosulfate you can put in 100 glugs and 1 glug of water and the ST will eliminate the bleach by products and residues.
Thats about what I figured! Thank you for your help!!
WhiteDevil
Aquarium Advice Addict
also get yourself a HAIR PIK from the store, tie it to the end of the gravel vac and there you have your combing and stirring all while vacuuming.
NO funny business I truly get ZERO sand out of my tank at WC time.
NO funny business I truly get ZERO sand out of my tank at WC time.
Thats great thinking, Thank you! when you stir up the sand how long would it take for the common sand to settle? Would it stir up enough to make it to the pump pickups?
mgamer20o0
Aquarium Advice Addict
another option is people use chop sticks at the end of the gravel vac. its not like you do it so much that it kicks it up just move it around some to break up any pockets.
You've all been so much help! what color of sand do you guys have? lets see some pics!!!
spoonman
Aquarium Advice Addict
I just switched to Pool Filter Sand. It is the best. It is a light brown and looks awesome. 8.99 for 50# at the local pool supply store. Check out the link!
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f19/made-the-change-from-gravel-to-pfs-today-118941.html
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f19/made-the-change-from-gravel-to-pfs-today-118941.html
I've heard of people using pool sand Thats cool can't beat the price! when adding sand does it need rinsed first like gravel? I don't think I have a strainer fine enough.
DizzCat
Aquarium Advice Freak
To get off the hard water stains in a tank or on tops and lights, white vinegar works wonderful! If you have spots on the empty tank that just will not come off, just soak the spot in vinegar for a little while and it will wipe right off. Just make sure you rinse really well when done. 
To get off the hard water stains in a tank or on tops and lights, white vinegar works wonderful! If you have spots on the empty tank that just will not come off, just soak the spot in vinegar for a little while and it will wipe right off. Just make sure you rinse really well when done.
Thank you, looks like I'm going to need some vinegar!
spoonman
Aquarium Advice Addict
I put mine in a big tub and ran a hose in it then dumped it out. Had to rinse and refill it about 3 or 4 times. Not bad at all. No clouding in my tank whatsoever and my fish love it. My cichlids love to dig.
Aquarium1
Aquarium Advice Addict
I just got a 55 off craigslist Sunday. Try to get som pics up once u get it setup. I can tell all ready it's gonna b nice.
mgamer20o0
Aquarium Advice Addict
good luck
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