I'm such a freaking newb!

[fab1971]

3+ years into this hobby and my third tank build and I'm still a newbie. First 2 times I set up a tank I started with live sand (larger particle). This time around I got the fine sand from Macro rocks but like an idiot I didn't bother to rinse. I had no idea you had to do this because I've always added live sand before. Now my tank is a mess, my skimmer is going full tilt and I'm kicking myself repeatedly. How long for my tank to clear up? What can I do to speed up the process and help this mess? Should I shut off my skimmer? Thanks all!

 

[akabryanhall]

Not sure how to speed up the process but it shouldn't take long to clear up, no more than a day, probably less. Couldn't hurt to turn your skimmer off either!

 

[dougers31]

Don't worry about the newb thing, in some ways even the most experienced has there newb moments... so what is the actual issue besides your skimmer going nuts?

 

[MimicOcto8]

i'd keep the skimmer on and i'm afraid you are just going to have to wait it out. give it a solid day or two with out disturbing anything.

 

[Alattner]

i'd keep the skimmer on and i'm afraid you are just going to have to wait it out. give it a solid day or two with out disturbing anything.

agreed i would leave the skimmer going its probably going to catch some sand but also going to get rid of the stuff you would have got rid of by rinsing

 

[dougers31]

If its overflowing I would raise it up if possible to try and get a dryer skimate.

 

[Dave3112]

Dude that sand is wicked!! It took me like 3 days before mine cleared with that sand. I didn't rinse either because the sand was so fine I didn't know what to use. Good luck. I feel your pain....

 

[Just Clownin Around]

shut skimmer off soo sand doesnt get inbetween the impeller magnet and the pump wall. it will be fine and should settle out in a day or two. might wanna use some filter floss also to expedite the process

 

[fab1971]

Lol! 3 days, Ohh brother! I had to shut the skimmer off. I put the cup all the way up and it was still overflowing. Thanks for the responses. The sand is very fine white sand. Should look great once it settles down. I wanted to move away from the course, thicker sand I've gotten in the past. Got some nice macro rocks so I don't have to worry about the unwanted pests I received when I bought aguacultured live rock a couple of years ago. Thanks for all the responses and hopefully I can turn the filter back on in a day or two.

 

[dougers31]

shut skimmer off soo sand doesnt get inbetween the impeller magnet and the pump wall. it will be fine and should settle out in a day or two. might wanna use some filter floss also to expedite the process

I second the part about the filter floss. Maybe hook up a power filter, should help quite a bit.