New tank

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Adler

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Jan 15, 2020
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Hello, I just started building my new tank today but I've come across something very bothersome: cloudy water.
I washed new gravel a lot before adding to the tank. Water was coming off clear after washing but now that I added water to the tank it is all cloudy/dusty. Now, I know that cloudy water is normal when setting up a new tank, but what worries me is that if this dust/cloud will harm my fish.

I got this gravel in a LFS and it was very dusty (will share a picture tomorrow).

I took some pictures from this new tank and the old tank using a flashlight.
New tank:
P_20221204_234633.jpg

P_20221204_234652.jpg

P_20221204_235023.jpg

Old tank:
P_20221204_235112.jpg

P_20221204_235052.jpg

I am using a filter with just floss media for now to help with the dust residue, will add carbon tomorrow.
Also before adding carbon I will do another total water change and maybe move the plants from the old tank to his new one or should I wait after cloudiness clears up?
I will post a picture of the new gravel (dry).
Suggestion on how to clean new gravel.
 

Adler

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Jan 15, 2020
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this one is after filling tank first time:
P_20221204_164441.jpg

this is the gravel:
P_20221205_080758.jpg

P_20221205_081400.jpg

P_20221205_080740.jpg
 

dougall

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Mar 29, 2005
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What sort of gravel is it?

And maybe if you change all the water, take it slowly to avoid disturbing the gravel . Do it into a bowl rather than directly on the gravel.. or some cling wrap or something.
 

Adler

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Jan 15, 2020
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What sort of gravel is it?

And maybe if you change all the water, take it slowly to avoid disturbing the gravel . Do it into a bowl rather than directly on the gravel.. or some cling wrap or something.
I truly do not know, i just asked for black gravel and was given that. looks like crushed stone/rock.

something that really helped was having the hose on while also draining out the water and stirring the gravel.. was very cloudy, but now it does not get as cloudy as initially.

today I bought seachem's clarity and hoping that would help me a lot with this. will leave that noisy filter on tonight and see how it is by morning
 

Adler

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Jan 15, 2020
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Not sure if Seachem's Clarity is helping, but woke up to filter floss being dirtier than usual. According to Clarity label, clouding is normal but it should clear in approximately 2 hours, I left it overnight and was still cloudy when I woke up:
P_20221207_083615.jpg

I wonder if it is because the filter is too small (Aqueon Quiteflow 10) for up to 20 gal tanks and this tank is >35 gal. I do not want to use my tidal 35, which is in my main tank, just for this.
 

Adler

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Jan 15, 2020
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Side note: what can I use to clean glass?
P_20221207_083742.jpg

that is not dust, I tried scrubbing it with a cloth first dry then damped and nothing happened. I have a liquid that is made for cleaning glass and electronics, but i'm not sure... can alcohol affect silicone?
 

Adler

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Jan 15, 2020
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I really need help with cloudiness, should I go with it or dump that gravel and get some brand name substrate? at least I will be at ease that it is specifically for aquariums.

my concern is that if i stirr up the gravel all that cloud will harm my fish as I do not know where it comes from or what exactly it i
 

Adler

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which light is better for plants: warm light or cool light?

P_20220731_131509.jpg
 

Adler

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Jan 15, 2020
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second night:
drained 90% of the water
had hose pouring water and siphon going while stirring the gravel for like 30 minutes.
filled tank again
brought my tidal 35 with floss only
used 5 ml of Clarity instead of 10 ml like the first time.
have both filters going, tidal 35 is set to high.

one thing I have noticed is that on the surface there is a lot of dirt. when water evaporates there's this stain on the glass is easily wiped and leaves the same stain on wipe as filter floss has

 
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