Washing Rocks and Sand in Tank during setup

[reelss]

Hi folks,

I just plumbed my 120 gallon build and did a test run with tap water. I was ready to start setting it up but the idea of draining all the water did not seem appealing to me.

I was wondering if I could put the dry rock and sand (not live) in the tank to have the circulating water wash and clean any lose debris. I will then catch the particles with some filter floss in the sump.

The only equipment hooked up right now are the wave makers and the pump.

What do you guys think?

 

[Jeepguy242]

I don’t see why not

 

[eric.battani]

I've done this many times after creating a new aquacape to help flush out rock dust from the rock scape. Doesn't hurt to turn on a powerhead or two to circulate the water around the rocks. Just make sure the sand has settled before you turn them on to ensure the sand doesn't get inside the propeller magnets of the powerheads and ruin them. Also don't forget to drain the tank before adding any salt. You want to start with clean rodi water to keep out any contaminants for when you first start up the system.

 

[Big G]

Washing the sand and rock, great idea; keeping the "tap" water in the tank, even if it is filtered with floss or pads, not something I would do. RODI is the right road, with the least problems in the long journey you are starting with your tank.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

I've done this many times after creating a new aquacape to help flush out rock dust from the rock scape. Doesn't hurt to turn on a powerhead or two to circulate the water around the rocks. Just make sure the sand has settled before you turn them on to ensure the sand doesn't get inside the propeller magnets of the powerheads and ruin them. Also don't forget to drain the tank before adding any salt. You want to start with clean rodi water to keep out any contaminants for when you first start up the system.

The only thing I could add to this is if there is if you are concerned about damaging your nice high dollar powerheads/pumps when first starting up the tank, pick up some cheap low cost units that would do in a pinch to run until the dust settles. Once everything has cleared up swap them out for the ones you wanted to run. Then as an added benefit you have some emergency spares in case you have a pump or powerhead fail on you later on.

 

[Big G]

+1 ^^^ That ^^^

 

[reelss]

Washing the sand and rock, great idea; keeping the "tap" water in the tank, even if it is filtered with floss or pads, not something I would do. RODI is the right road, with the least problems in the long journey you are starting with your tank.

of course...i will be draining the tap water and filling with RODI Saltwater once the sand has been washed.