can someone tell me why when i put sand in my fresh water aquiarium it was always dirty and hard to clean up.?

Question

sand is what i used in the bottom. the water was always murky

Answer 1

Your filter may not have been fine enough to remove the small particles. Use a gravel siphon with a smaller hose so you can vacuum up the finer particles of sand while leaving the heavier ones. Skimmers are also a good means of keeping your water crystal clear.
A

Answer 2

I think i have to agree with the 2 above me. Sounds like you didnt rinse the sand before putting it in your tanks. You can use sand. Depends on what type of sand your using. You shouldnt use marine sand for a freshwater tank. Isnt good, can mess your PH up. Do some daily water changes. Should get the tiny particles out.

Answer 3

Ditto about rinsing the sand before adding it. I've never had any problems with mine. For future reference, pour the sand into a bucket, keep running water from the hose into the bucket, tip the bucket and dump water out, repeat until water runs clear usually about 5 or 6 times. Kinda messy and some sand will spill out.

Answer 4

I asked the fish specialist about that problem. They said to make sure to rinse the sand really good till the water your rinsing with runs clear, then once its in the tank, to run a clean cat litter scoop through it about every other day, and it should remain clean for your fish. Also be sure your not over feeding, not only is it a waste of food but it also causes your fish to go to the bathroom more. good luck and enjoy your fish, I know I do now with that advice.

Answer 5

I did - had no complications. I went to my interior reach coastline - dug the sand right into a huge container. Itried to settle on a community of coastline that the sand regarded fairly sparkling. I were given abode and strained the sand. Then washed the sand. It took a lengthy time period, in spite of the undeniable fact that the tank regarded large afterwards. I save Malawi Cichlids.

Answer 6

Sounds like you didn't rinse it before you put it in your tank (and if that is the case - be ready for some dirty water for a long time to come).

Just do daily water changes until it clears up.

Answer 7

Whatever! I use sand in my aquarium and I have pristine water. Did you use marine sand or back yard sand? Do you have an undergravel? Shouldn't have one with sand.

Answer 8

it might have to do with the kind of fish you have also if u have bottom feeders they stir up the sand. you should probably buy a larger grade sand(homedepot) how wat kind of vaccumm are u using?

dont be discouraged

fish tanks are just a pain in the ***

but once u figure stuff out its worth it

Answer 9

because the sand gets stirred up it rally is not meant for a fish tank.
make sure its clean

Answer 10

I buy the rocks that are for fish tanks, you can get a big bag for $3 at Wal- Mart. I hope this helps.