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View Full Version : Pump On or Off when sand is settling

cburns32
02/23/2006, 07:46 PM
Do I leave pump on or off when letting sand settle???
reefwick
02/23/2006, 07:49 PM
I'd leave it on and let your filtration take out some of the "dust".
icenine2005
02/23/2006, 07:56 PM
I have left them on.
cburns32
02/23/2006, 07:57 PM
How long does it usually take for 16 lbs. of live sand to settle in 12 gallons of water, and someone else told me off b/c otherwise you'll get sand particles in the water column, thus in the suspension?
reefwick
02/23/2006, 08:01 PM
Well... I think it is unrealistic to put a a time on a ratio like that. The sand won't just always stay in the water column, it'll settle eventually. Just give it time, got to be patient.

IMO you don't want that fine stuff anyways, let the filtration grab it.
cburns32
02/23/2006, 08:09 PM
So keep the filter/pump on, my filter and pump are attached as the pump returns the filtered water back into the tank.
reefwick
02/23/2006, 08:21 PM
You have the nano-cube right?? I have the same one... Leave the pump on (or plugged in I should say). I take that this is a new tank right? Use the sponges it came with to catch all the crap and then toss them after it's settled or cycled.
cburns32
02/23/2006, 10:26 PM
Aight thanks, yeah I have 2 of the 3 sponges in there, the 3rd I'm gonna use after the cycling, to catch larger particles.
reefwick
02/23/2006, 10:32 PM
I'd rethink using a sponge full time after the cycle. They turn into nitrate factories. No matter how often or thorough you rinse them you'll never get the crap out from the middle. You've got a little time here but look at what other peole do in their back chambers. There are many efficient methods.
mr bubbles
02/23/2006, 10:36 PM
do you run the skimmer while sand is settling?
mr pink floyd
02/24/2006, 12:20 PM
mine sellted in abotu 30 hours, i lefthe rocks in, adn tried to move them around, stupid move, its all cloudy again,. i now have rocks in a tub, cold salt water, no heater available, and all scorals and 4 fish in a 10 gallon for a few days
mr pink floyd
02/24/2006, 12:30 PM
just too kthe heater from my 29 and put it in, figured it ca nhold its temp for a hour or two jus tto war the rocks up, the crasb snails and starfish will be fine ill moniter temp tho