Filter And Sand

[andyboy!!]

Hi

I have a sponge filter. Do I need to modify it in any way for a sand substrate? Like floss? If so what do I need to do and where do I put it?

Cheers
Andy.

 

[doresy]

Tank size and filter make/model?

 

[andyboy!!]

2x1x1 ft (58 litre)

JAD 700ltr\hr.

 

[doresy]

Not familar with that filter. Am i right in thinking that you are adding sand to a new tank? If so, after washing the sand (ie run fresh water through it to remove dust) add it to your tank with water. I would then suggest you leave it to settle for 24-36 hours. When I added sand i removed all the media from my filter and replaced it with flossy white media and ran it for a day. It cleared wonderfully so I then took out the floss, replaced the regular media and now have just a layer of fine white media (not floss) at the bottom, or inlet, of the filter which i wash out or replace weekly.
Oh, one last thing, raise the filter as high in the tank as possible or scoop the sand away from the inlet to prevent sand from being sucked in and always switch it off when vaccing or disturbing the sand

Hope this helps

 

[andyboy!!]

Cheers for the advice, some good points there.

Yes, its a new setup although not my first, it's my first with sand.

When you say let it settle for a day or so, do you mean with the filter running with the floss in, or no filter at all?

Is filter damage a big problem? I think mines fairly powerful.

Thanks
Andy.

 

[doresy]

Cheers for the advice, some good points there.

Yes, its a new setup although not my first, it's my first with sand.

When you say let it settle for a day or so, do you mean with the filter running with the floss in, or no filter at all?

Is filter damage a big problem? I think mines fairly powerful.

Thanks
Andy.

either let it settle or do the filter thing I suggested. It's not damage to the filter I was concerned about, it's just that I didn't want to get a load of sand sludge in the media before I had a chance to use it proper