Frustrating water

[Lurch1]

No, the tank was in storage. I washed it out completely and started with new everything (other then the filters and heater).

[exv152]

No, the tank was in storage. I washed it out completely and started with new everything (other then the filters and heater).

You mentioned some stones from BAs, what kind of stones are they?

[Lurch1]

I'm not sure what the stones are called, but she put something on the first ones I wanted and they fizzled. I put those back and she tested my current ones with no reaction. The sand/peat mixture came back this morning with a pH of 7.4. SO the sand is definitely the problem. I guess I will be making a trip to the pool store.  Fun fun. 

[Nerine]

Very strange as I have had play sand and no reaction!!

[Lurch1]

I am mildly irritated, but I should have known better to test it first.

[exv152]

The fizz test is done with vinegar and is an easy way to test any stones. But it's not 100% certain.

Mermaid pools on Merivale near Hunt Club sells a 50lb bag for about $7-9. The sand is really nice. But make sure to rinse it really well.

[Lurch1]

I am out near carleton place. The two options by pool companys were regular silca sand or crushed granite. What do you think?

[Nerine]

At least it's not a HUGE tank!!! things could have been worse!!!!

Silica sand is great just rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse!! I put it in the tank with 3 filters after rinsing just to clear up the rest! it's VERY dusty!!

[exv152]

I agree with the silica, it's inert and looks good. If you place a plate at the bottom and pour the water in very slowly to not disturb the silica, or if you put news paper down and fill the tank, then remove the newspaper, the tank water should be much less clowdy. But you should still rinse the silica thoroughly.

[bizfromqc]

I agree with the silica, it's inert and looks good. If you place a plate at the bottom and pour the water in very slowly to not disturb the silica, or if you put news paper down and fill the tank, then remove the newspaper, the tank water should be much less clowdy. But you should still rinse the silica thoroughly.

+1. Rinse and when you think you're done, rinse again 
It took my tank about 2 days to be crystal clear but in the end, its totally worth it, it just looks great and the fish love it.

FYI, got mine at Mermaid Pools on Ogilvie.

[Lurch1]

10-4. I'll go with that then. Thanks for all your help.