Sand oposed to Rocks

knichols

Registered Member
May 8, 2006
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I have a 30 gallon freshwater tank, we decided to switch from rocks to sand. Couple of questions. Since we switched our filter is cloging and stopping. Is this from the sand? Is there a filter designed for sand? Will the sand ever stop floating to the top of the tank?
Thanks
 
If there are particles of sand stil floating around, it probably wasn't rinsed enough. Most sand needs to be rinsed really well before it goes into the aquarium. If its already in there, your best bet is probably to turn off the filter and vacuum it 4 or 5 times. The sand, if its suspended in the water, will destroy a filter. Try to make sure your filter intake is at least 3-4" from the bottom. you can also try putting a piece of pantyhose over the intake to reduce the sand its sucking up. However, you'll need to clean the sand up to prevent long term damage to the filter.
 
Yea, you didn't clean the sand enough. Take the filter apart and clean it as best as possible and keep changing the water and vacuuming to rid the particles floating in the water that are causing the filter to jam and clog.
 
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