FNG here! switched to live aragonite from gravel

[bobbysue63]

:help:

Hi, just joined and need a few answers. I just switched over to sand from gravel after a LONG 2 day tank cleaning (my one daughter decided to get snails from our neighbors outside pond and put them in my tank in aug.)...I'm still very angry!

Anyhow, now that I can physically move again, I added 2 16lb bags of live aragonite and although I know it will take time to settle, should I put my filter back on now or wait for it to clear on it's own?

I can't even see the fishes!!!!

[Sandman333]

If you have fish in there, the filter needs to be running. You may have to rinse the filter pads/cartridges if there is a buildup of dust on them.

I've never done this, I'm trying to regurgitate this answer from reading other threads.

[bobbysue63]

Thanks

[Rbishop]

Can you tell us more about your tank...size, what kind of fish, how many, type of filtration, how long established?

[bobbysue63]

Size 55 gal. - 2 upside down black catfish, 1 is almost 9" now & other is 6". My daughter put our neighbors pond snails in there in aug. I'm sure you know what happened after that!!! I'm still very angry!!!!!!!!!!!

3 days ago I changed and cleaned entire tank for the 2 time. After looking online I thought they said it was okay for FW tanks....now I don't know what to do. :O(

[bobbysue63]

I've put new filters in and kept it running as soon as the majority of large debris settled down. Now I think I might be killing them with this sand crap!!

[Rbishop]

What kind of filters are you running..HOBs? Changing out the filter media could throw you into a mini cycle... try to double up on some floss in them to filter it out and change it frequently.

I don't think you really needed to switch over unless it was appearance. Did you rinse it first?

[bobbysue63]

Whaaaaat? Please talk to me like I'm a 2 yr old when it comes to this stuff. I've been doing great up till now but I do believe I'm way over my head here!!!!

I thought sand was better for them........good lord I screwed it all up!!

[Rbishop]

HOB...Hang On Back filter like an AC 50 or Penguin....canister filter that sits on the floor like a Magnum or Eheim...Internal....

Sand can often be better for some bottom fish....and may be needed for buffering (balancing) some pH needs..

Some substrates need extensive rinsing before use to clear out the fine particles...

The floss, much like batting for a pillow, can help trap the small particles..