Added sand, power heads causing trouble

[Caronsd]

So I added some dry sand to my tank last week, rinsed it for hours so the initial install to the tank had minimum clouding. Let everything settle down real good, waited a few days with the filter running which didn't move the sand at all and decided to try my power head out to see how the flow would effect the sand... BAD idea. Instant dust storm. Is there any way to mitigate this? Do I let the power heads run till the sand stop moving in certain spots or do I wait till the dry sand cycles to firm up? Tank is already cycled.

 

[afrankiewicz12]

let the sand settle without powerheads then turn them back on and the sand will redistribute. when it all stops moving it will harden up and not move anymore, if you dont like how it settles you can move the powerheads and it will all move around again

 

[Caronsd]

okay so i should just let them run and let the sand resettle. Everything was good till i turned the power heads on. I also found I can minimize the sand blasting with placement of a few small rocks.

 

[dz6t]

Point the powerheads a little upward will minimize sand storm and agitate water surface for better air exchange.

 

[Caronsd]

Point the powerheads a little upward will minimize sand storm and agitate water surface for better air exchange.

Wanted to follow your advice and go bare bottom, but my fiance, whom you met, over ruled me by wanting fish which require a sand bed lol. Its a small sacrifice to make as I try to convince her a built in 200 gallon tank in our house will be a good idea.

 

[dz6t]

but my fiance, whom you met, over ruled me by wanting fish which require a sand bed lol. ..

She is wanting fish! great step toward the 200 gallon coral reef.