SD Question

[Marcosreef]

Once the bacteria settle in, a skin will lock in the fine silt you are experiencing. I was told "Not to rinse the sand", this fine silty material is very good for the tank. It may take a few days to a week for the water to clear, in my experience.

 

[hurrifan]

I just added about 300 punds of SD to my 180, but it is very fine and silty. It has taken over 24 hours for the tank to even look semi-clear. Should I add about 1" of a more coarse heavier sand on the top to weigh it down? I dont want a cloud of debris every time a PH kicks on or a fish moves. What are you all doing out there to alleviate this problem?

 

[dobish]

Hurrifan...
...just give the Southdown time to settle out. The cloudiness is due to some extremely fine particles -- almost clay-size...they will stay suspended for quite some time...maybe even a week or more, but they are very desirable to have in your tank according to Dr. Ron Shimek.

Marcosreef is correct and the fine particles will be "bound" over time by bacteria, but what also happens over time when the sand becomes "live" the natural pumping, moving, and upwelling within the sandbed will sort the sand particles and the coarser particles will rise to the top...naturally....I would not recommend adding any coarser sand in addition to the Southdown you already put in your tank.

The key to reefkeeping is patience....and it starts sooner than you think...

 

[Anonymous]

It took a few months,but like said above the larger particles migrate to the top. The thing that you cannot stop is the fish stirring the gravel for food.