How to Run a Saltwater Tank to Clear Settling Sand

Saltwater aquariums can host beautiful exotic fish but may become cloudy from time to time. Depending on the color of the water, the aquarium could have several things wrong with it. Some colors represent serious problems. However, a white color is nothing to worry about. It usually means the water is clouded with sand, especially if the saltwater aquarium was recently set up. With some patience, you can run the saltwater tank to clear settling sand.

Things You'll Need

  • Siphon or cup
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Instructions

    • 1

      Run the tank normally with the filter in place for a day or two. The clouded water may clear on its own.

    • 2

      Remove 20 percent of the aquarium water with a siphon or a cup. Add more water to fill the tank. Run the filter for another day or two. Repeat the 20 percent water change again if it didn't help the first time.

    • 3

      Drain the aquarium saltwater with a siphon if the water did not clear. Remove the sand from the aquarium.

    • 4

      Place the sand in a bucket. Rinse the sand several times until the water runs clear.

    • 5

      Add the clean sand to the aquarium. Fill the tank again. The clean sand will not cloud the water.