Super Fine Sand Clouding Water

[hwttdz1]

So I shaped my base rock and decided the debris would be good pH buffer and other things like that, so I added it to the tank. The tank is now a cloudy mess, as the debris was superfine sand. I don't know what to do to remove the sand from the water column, I was thinking attach a power filter and run it just until the tank clears? Please help, give advice.

 

[rbaldino]

It will eventually settle on its own, but you could add a powerfilter to help things along.

 

[hwttdz1]

Two questions, first I think I'm just being impatient but the tank is not clearing very much, it has had a power filter going for about 6 hours now, although I didn't think to take out the rock that had all the dust on it until now. It was probably releasing the fine stuff into the water all along. Is there anything else I can do here? Maybe I just need someone to tell me to be patient. Second I tested my salinity (a little premature, it's not even an aquarium yet, it's just a glass box with water) and it came out as super salty, 1.03 spg, I got the water from a lfs that I trust very well, contradicting myself the water may have started salty, because they said the batch had just been made so it may have had some salt solids in it yet, a second possibility is that all the dissolved substances from my rock caused it to read high, is this possible? Looks like I need to get some ro/di water anyway.

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by hwttdz1
Two questions, first I think I'm just being impatient but the tank is not clearing very much, it has had a power filter going for about 6 hours now, although I didn't think to take out the rock that had all the dust on it until now. It was probably releasing the fine stuff into the water all along. Is there anything else I can do here? Maybe I just need someone to tell me to be patient. Second I tested my salinity (a little premature, it's not even an aquarium yet, it's just a glass box with water) and it came out as super salty, 1.03 spg, I got the water from a lfs that I trust very well, contradicting myself the water may have started salty, because they said the batch had just been made so it may have had some salt solids in it yet, a second possibility is that all the dissolved substances from my rock caused it to read high, is this possible? Looks like I need to get some ro/di water anyway.
How are testing the water? Look into getting a refractometer, very invaluable in the hobby and easy and accurate to use once you get the hang of it.

 

[hwttdz1]

Water is being tested using a hydrometer. It's on the list, but I'm only just starting, and before that I'm looking to have water I can see through. Sorry if I seem curt, the recommendation is appreciated (but right now it's not at the top of the list), I'm just stressing out because after a month of research, preparation, and collecting supplies it seems I have a total disaster.

 

[tne1cancme]

I used Caribsea fiji pink LS and 1st day it looked like crap but hang in their it gets better.pic 1 1st day, #2 three days later, #3 Today

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by hwttdz1
Water is being tested using a hydrometer. It's on the list, but I'm only just starting, and before that I'm looking to have water I can see through. Sorry if I seem curt, the recommendation is appreciated (but right now it's not at the top of the list), I'm just stressing out because after a month of research, preparation, and collecting supplies it seems I have a total disaster.
ONLY time and keep running your HOB filter. Your specific gravity needs to come down asap.

 

[hwttdz1]

As I don't have anything living in there, (maybe bacteria, no LS, no LR) I'm not too worried about the salinity being too high right now, I'll make sure it's spot on before I add anything living. My only known source of RO/DI water is my LFS, which is closed until Tuesday. People say wal-mart?
What sort of mechanical filter would be best at pulling this sort of stuff out?

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by hwttdz1
As I don't have anything living in there, (maybe bacteria, no LS, no LR) I'm not too worried about the salinity being too high right now, I'll make sure it's spot on before I add anything living. My only known source of RO/DI water is my LFS, which is closed until Tuesday. People say wal-mart?
What sort of mechanical filter would be best at pulling this sort of stuff out?
AHH, I thought you had LR, LS in your tank, MINE looked liked that when I first started, you need 25-48hrs and keep your hang-on running, thats all you can do unfortunatley.

 

[hwttdz1]

I'm just thinking won't the powerheads prevent it from ever settling? Also the stuff is so fine, it can pass through the hang on filter without too much trouble, so the water coming out is almost as murky as the water going in. Again, I'm sorry I'm freaking out so much.

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by hwttdz1
I'm just thinking won't the powerheads prevent it from ever settling? Also the stuff is so fine, it can pass through the hang on filter without too much trouble, so the water coming out is almost as murky as the water going in. Again, I'm sorry I'm freaking out so much.
You CAN turn off the P.H'S but leave the Hang on, ON! IT will settle THE fine particles will gather in the hang on as well, but you are more couting on the natural gravity settling. Mine looked just like that wayyy bacjk when. DONT WORRY, it will clear up!