Sand in the 55..

[jwalser18]

Okay, so this is my first sanded tank, and so far I literally hate it. I have 2 HOB's atm.. and the sand has already destroyed 2! (now the 2nd 2 are starting to go! I have sponges on the intakes of the filters, but sand still gets up there. I cleaned the sand really well, and still no luck. I wanted sand as thats there natural habitat but I'm done with destroying filters.. any suggestions?

[four_by_ken]

What sand did you use?

What fish?

Do you turn off the filters when stirring it up, cleaning, etc?


I have 3 sand tanks and no issues. 

[jwalser18]

I got the sand from my father. it's INSANELY FINE.. like I cannot stress it enough. I shut off everything when doing maintence. Community of mbuna's.

[jwalser18]

it's seriously so frustrating.. constantly cleaning the damn intake because it starts grinding!

[four_by_ken]

I think you have already answered your own question... that sand is too fine.

I have play sand in two tanks and aquarium sand in the first one I set up.

[jwalser18]

can you post a pic of the play sand?

[jwalser18]

this play sand?

http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/landscaping-materials/ground-cover-materials/white-play-sand/p-1934742-c-5784.htm

or pool filter sand #20 silica?

what will stay put better?

last question... how to change the sand

[tugboat]

I use pool filter sand and love it, not to fine and stays put.

[jcunningham0295]

Pool filter sand is bigger and works great.  I have no issues with my emperors.  Also you need to make sure the intake is properly spaced from the sand.

[Loon36cf]

I got some good advice and I took it and everything is working great. I grabbed the medium grit paver sand from Home Depot and my intake is at least 5 inches from the bottom. Here is the thread.

http://michigancichlid.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=3212.0

[Regalblue]

Change it out using a dustpan or net to scoop it.

[Michael Zebrowski]

Adding a sponge filter to the intake also helps keep sand away from the impellers.  Need to clean the sponges frequently, though.