Newbie needs help!

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by Destimondia, Dec 30, 2011.

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  1. Destimondia

    Destimondia Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    OK, so i've posted this concern before and i got many answers and i have looked up a lot of things, yet, it hasn't helped at all.

    My aquarium has been running for 4 days now and i've added good water and about 4 inches of live sand. i will be adding live rocks very very soon. I have on the surface of my tank bubbly, creamy foam, does anyone know what it might be?:-/
     
    Destimondia, Dec 30, 2011
    Destimondia, Dec 30, 2011
    #1

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  2. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Maybe from the sand... Make sure to clean out your filter media often with a new tank.
     
    Biocube, Dec 30, 2011
    Biocube, Dec 30, 2011
    #2
  3. Destimondia

    Destimondia Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    but it appeared right when i put the sand into the water on the first day. Should i just remove the foam and let it run its normal course? and i was told not to filter the water until i added fish?
     
    Destimondia, Dec 30, 2011
    Destimondia, Dec 30, 2011
    #3
  4. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Remove the sand???

    I know when I put sand in my tank it was not pretty at first, just make sure to clean out your filter media often. No need to replace it just rinse it out with filtered water and let it run its course.
     
    Biocube, Dec 30, 2011
    Biocube, Dec 30, 2011
    #4
  5. The Sea Store

    The Sea Store 3reef Sponsor

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    Hello.

    This is completely normal, when adding live sand. No need to worry.
    Try using bio-magnet clarifier, or any clarifier and it will bind the particles to quickly clear up the water.

    Additionally, the filtration should never be off unless performing water changes,etc.
     
    The Sea Store, Dec 30, 2011
    The Sea Store, Dec 30, 2011
    #5
  6. Destimondia

    Destimondia Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    but when i turn on the filter(aqueon filter) it moves the sand, should i just remove some sand? well, i have a temporary filter that's brand knew but i'm getting a protein skimmer soon. but should i remove the foam on top of my water or not? and should i remove sand or not?
     
    Destimondia, Dec 30, 2011
    Destimondia, Dec 30, 2011
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  7. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Turn what on? Your pump, powerhead??


    How big is your tank? 4 inches seems like a lot of sand.
     
    Biocube, Dec 30, 2011
    Biocube, Dec 30, 2011
    #7
  8. Destimondia

    Destimondia Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Destimondia, Dec 30, 2011
    Destimondia, Dec 30, 2011
    #8
  9. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Well I had a 4 inch sand bed in my BioCube because my LFS told me to and I removed about 2 inches after discovering sand was flying around...


    Just let it run and clean your filter media often and it should all settle down in a few days.
     
    Biocube, Dec 30, 2011
    Biocube, Dec 30, 2011
    #9
  10. ricoop

    ricoop Skunk Shrimp

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    The foam is just stuff that has "floated" up out of the sand. Run the filter, it's not going to hurt anything, just clean the media every once in a while so you don't start building up nitrates while you cycle. If the filter is kicking up sand you might want to take some out. Once you get your live rock and protein skimmer, the filter won't be needed. You can use it to run some carbon in, but they are unneccessary after you get the protein skimmer and LR going.
     
    ricoop, Dec 30, 2011
    ricoop, Dec 30, 2011
    #10
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