Sand...

[Koda]

I haven't used sand yet in any of my tanks but wanted to put some in with my crayfish.The marine/freshwater type of sand I got says you just presoak it.But a lot of gunk came to the surface.And I'm not sure if I can add the sand to a tank with water in it or if I need to drain and refill.I am going to use a terra cotta pot in the tank and was hoping I could just fill it and then situate the pot in the tank on it's side with the sand spilling out of it.But I am not sure if it will cloud the water.

Any input would be appreciated....thanks.

Koda

 

[Da_Oz]

If you put it in a bucket and fill the bucket full of water till it over flows, stir it with your hand over and over and let it overflow till the water turn clear. After the water is clear it really should not turn the water cloudy. But I do have a question are you just puting this in part of the tank or in all of the tank?

 

[yhbae]

Try looking around carefully in different hardware stores - not all playsands are created equal. Near where I live, I found about 7 different brands, and I picked the one that appeared to have the least amount of fine particles. It worked out very well! Not only that there wasn't much to wash, my water doesn't get cloudy even after steering up the tank! When it was initially setup, the water cleared within 2 hours.

But this bag of sand did cost 50% more than the cheap one. ($3 instead of $2 for the whole tank... )

 

[Koda]

But I do have a question are you just puting this in part of the tank or in all of the tank?

I was just going to put it in part of the tank.I don't know a lot about crayfish but he seems to like sorting and arranging the gravel that is in there now.(Maybe he plans to pile the rocks high enough to get out of the tank)However, I read that they like burrowing and sand.I also have cories in another tank and thought some of it could go for them.If I'm goofing up don't hesitate to point out the error of my thinking.I have an eleven year old so I'm used to it


Koda

 

[Koda]

Try looking around carefully in different hardware stores - not all playsands are created equal.

Alas...too late.I liked the deep blue sand at the fish place.Probably paid too much for it.I could've had 50 pounds of playsand for my three bucks

Koda

 

[Da_Oz]

The cray will spread it all over the tank. It will not stay in a small area with out a good wall around it. So you will have to replace the area often. I would sugest doing all of the tank in sand. Also for next time. Sand blasting sand and concret sand is better than playsand. Playsnad is too fine IMO. It can plug up filter and clouds easy.

 

[Koda]

Thanks...I kind of thought I might be making a mistake.The crayfish was put him into a tank that had been housing a single female betta that I hadn't found tank mates for yet.I moved her out and removed the pretty plants,and put the crayfish in.Might be better off just to pick up another tank and set it up with sand and let the betta have her house back....after a thorough cleaning.

I am a bit surprised at how fascinated I am with the the cray.Got him because my kid wanted him and had been asking for ages.Now I spend as much time watching him as the boy does.

Koda