Cloudy Cycle (3 Weeks)

[nickkohrn]

Is it normal for a tank that is going through the first stages of its cycle to be cloudy for an extended period of time?

My tank has been cycling for 3 weeks now, and it’s been cloudy since the first week. I though that it would have resolved on its own by now, but it doesn’t seem to be getting any worse or any better.

I started with dry rock, live sand, and Dr. Tim’s. Other than that, there haven’t been any other additions, subtractions, or changes.

 

[KJ]

Did you have any;Snaphappy of the tank?

 

[Reeferdood]

What kind of sand did you use? Reason being is we just set up a tank for a customer using caribsea sand and had to tear it apart and start over because the cloudiness never went away after 3 months. We suspected the sand was the issue and after switching sand (same brand) it went away after 2 days.

 

[nickkohrn]

Did you have any;Snaphappy of the tank?

Yep!

 

[Reeferdood]

I would bet it is the sand....

 

[nickkohrn]

What kind of sand did you use? Reason being is we just set up a tank for a customer using caribsea sand and had to tear it apart and start over because the cloudiness never went away after 3 months. We suspected the sand was the issue and after switching sand (same brand) it went away after 2 days.

I used Caribsea Reef Sand: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/special-grade-arag-alive-live-reef-sand-caribsea.html

 

[KJ]

Look like the power heads is blowing sand around.

 

[UCF Alum]

I would bet it is the sand....

+1

Did you use the binder packet that was in the bag of sand? Caribsea definelty has the packets mixed in with the sand.
Run carbon in your overflow. That should clear it up.

 

[nickkohrn]

+1

Did you use the binder packet that was in the bag of sand?
Run carbon in your overflow. That should clear it up.

I did use the packet that came in the bag. I’ll grab some carbon tomorrow and toss it in.

 

[UCF Alum]

Put it in a media bag and stick it in one of your socks.

Nice Waterbox btw!

 

[Reeferdood]

Just by the foam production on the surface of the water is telling me it is the sand.

 

[nickkohrn]

Put it in a media bag and stick it in one of your socks.

Nice Waterbox btw!

Thank you! I hope it’s as simple as that. I’m sick of looking at it like this. It’s not making my wife any bit more excited for me to have around. Haha

 

[cracker]

Too be honest with Ya , Just my Op Your still in a good place to remove the sand rinse all that silt out then replace. You can easily start over at this point .

 

[Neo Jeo]

It’s the sand. Can you add filter floss to your over flow area? Clean it up? Just make sure sand is not blowing around. Normally sand settles after a few days.

 

[Reeferdood]

Add some bio spira or similar as well....

Too be honest with Ya , Just my Op Your still in a good place to remove the sand rinse all that silt out then replace. You can easily start over at this point .

 

[nickkohrn]

It’s the sand. Can you add filter floss to your over flow area? Clean it up? Just make sure sand is not blowing around. Normally sand settles after a few days.

I have filter floss in there; it’s been in for over a week now. The sand is a heavier grain, so it hasn’t been getting blown around at all.

 

[Reeferdood]

See above posts.... It is fixable with some elbow grease..

 

[nickkohrn]

See above posts.... It is fixable with some elbow grease..

I’ll grab some carbon tomorrow and see if that clears it up. If it doesn’t, then I guess I’ll be removing the sand and either rinsing it or going bare-bottom. I love the look of sand, but it’s already being a pain. Ha

 

[UCF Alum]

I have filter floss in there; it’s been in for over a week now. The sand is a heavier grain, so it hasn’t been getting blown around at all.

You have the same exact sand I do in my tank. It’s FULL of silt. Heavier grain is nice so it doesn’t blow around as much.

If you take the sand out now, you’ll be starting the cycle all over. Don’t give up!

 

[miPapareef]

Definitely the sand, I still have some cloudiness 18 months later in my tank if I stir the sand.

I recommend tanking the sand out and rinsing it, even if it means it delays you. Pay me now or pay me later. I’m still paying every time the sand gets disturbed.