new sand substrate; cloudy water won't clear

[platytudes]

I had this problem once - used something called Crystal Clear:
http://www.aq-products.com/APpro/crystalclear.htm
A few drops cleared the water in a matter of hours. I did have to switch the polyester media twice though - just used PolyFill jammed into the back of a power filter.

 

[EileenH]

I used Crystal Clear also that I bought at Walmart. I used Pool filter sand in my 55 gal. tank and ran the filter and rinsed out the filter pad everyday for the next couple of days. The water cleared up in about a day or so after the sand settled.

 

[bushwhacker]

i've heard the bit about clay in playsand but have nerver seen it listed.,, the bucket and hose is the best way to clean it.. wash it a half dozen times and when you think your done do it a few more.. i have play sand in all my tanks and love it

 

[mountain_webste]

Thanks all for the responses. I'm still pretty cloudy, but getting better. Did another 50% water change this evening and have the old filter cranked up to 11 and packed with floss. It seems to be working albeit very slowly...

the bucket and hose is the best way to clean it.. wash it a half dozen times and when you think your done do it a few more.. i have play sand in all my tanks and love it

Yeah...hindsight is 20/20...it was 200lbs of DRY sand, it's supposed to be below freezing all week, and I'm back to work from the holiday. Pulling all that sand out and standing in the backyard with a hose blasting is not in the cards at this point. I'm not in a huge rush so have the luxury of time.

 

[mountain_webste]

I'm still pretty cloudy, but getting better.

Ooops...I meant "IT'S still pretty cloudy, but getting better".

I'm taking that as a sign I need some sleep...good night AC...