Advice on sand sifter

WeeGawk · 07/07/2009, 11:14 PM

Just put a spotted orange goby/sand sifter in my new 46g bowfront. Unfortunately, the live sand I have is very fine and now the entire tank is cloudy.

Rather than return the sand sifter back to the store, could I add 1/2-1 inch of crushed coral sand on top of my fine live sand?

Other inhabitants are two small clowns and two hermit crabs. I assume the slightly cloudy water is not a terrible thing for them?

oxymoron · 07/08/2009, 12:04 AM

From what I understand the sand sifter will stir up the top layer of sand and cause a mess for the first few days as he disturbes the untouched soil.
After he stirs it up enough the cloudiness will eventually go away and he will be a great benefit to your tank.

Kakabub · 07/08/2009, 12:05 AM

give it some time, maybe change the direction of your powerheads or whatever you have in the tank. It may settle after he/she has figured out where he likes to hang out...

kikireef · 07/08/2009, 01:00 AM

My sand is also really fine and mine moves a lot of sand but it all falls quickly back to the bottom. He has never caused it to get cloudy. I would wait it out a while and see what happens...

wickedfish · 07/08/2009, 01:06 AM

Agree with all comments. oxymoron took the words out of my mouth. well, actually on what i was going to type. Patience.

WeeGawk · 07/08/2009, 07:29 AM

Thanks. Overnight, things have cleared up quite a bit, but this AM he/she is not all that actively sifting.

The entire tank bottom is very thoroughly "sifted".

Thanks for all the help.

http://home.pacbell.net/kellywee/Ora...otted_Goby.jpg

07/07/2009, 11:14 PM	#1
WeeGawk Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: AT Bay Area Posts: 4	Advice on sand sifter Just put a spotted orange goby/sand sifter in my new 46g bowfront. Unfortunately, the live sand I have is very fine and now the entire tank is cloudy. Rather than return the sand sifter back to the store, could I add 1/2-1 inch of crushed coral sand on top of my fine live sand? Other inhabitants are two small clowns and two hermit crabs. I assume the slightly cloudy water is not a terrible thing for them?

07/08/2009, 01:00 AM	#4
kikireef Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chino at The Preserve Posts: 1,107	My sand is also really fine and mine moves a lot of sand but it all falls quickly back to the bottom. He has never caused it to get cloudy. I would wait it out a while and see what happens... __________________ Keith SCMAS Member Tank Info: 120 gallon 48"x30"x20" Leemar Rimless. 2 MP40w, 1 MP10w, SROsss Skimmer, ATI Sunpower 8x54w, Neptune Apex Controller with WXM module. 2 BRS dosing pumps. Check my homepage for the build...

07/08/2009, 12:04 AM	#2
oxymoron Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada Posts: 91	From what I understand the sand sifter will stir up the top layer of sand and cause a mess for the first few days as he disturbes the untouched soil. After he stirs it up enough the cloudiness will eventually go away and he will be a great benefit to your tank.

07/08/2009, 12:05 AM	#3
Kakabub Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: SF/Sactown Posts: 220	give it some time, maybe change the direction of your powerheads or whatever you have in the tank. It may settle after he/she has figured out where he likes to hang out...

07/08/2009, 01:06 AM	#5
wickedfish Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southbay Posts: 2,167	Agree with all comments. oxymoron took the words out of my mouth. well, actually on what i was going to type. Patience.

07/08/2009, 07:29 AM	#6
WeeGawk Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: AT Bay Area Posts: 4	Thanks. Overnight, things have cleared up quite a bit, but this AM he/she is not all that actively sifting. The entire tank bottom is very thoroughly "sifted". Thanks for all the help. http://home.pacbell.net/kellywee/Ora...otted_Goby.jpg