Sand problem - please advise

[COM]

I put ten pounds of black sand in my ten gallon tank yesterday evening. I noticed today that some sand was floating on the surface and I skimmed it off with a net.

Then, I stuck my hand in the tank to 'scape' it a bit and get the sand sloped in the way that I want it. Every time I touch it, more sand seems to come to the surface. What gives with this? How does one get the stuff to settle?

I'm almost frustrated enough to dump it and go get some eco-complete. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[justintrask]

I hear that black sand is especially hard to wash, which is why I havnt dealt with it. You may need to wash it more, or get it sloped how you want and then just let it settle and not fuss with it. I have definately read that black sand needs a LOT of washing though. I use sand from a beach in Cohasset, MA. Really pure white sand.

[COM]

I washed it for about an hour, agitating, pouring off, and rinsing.

The actual sand is floating, not just some sort of other impurities. I've attached a foam block over the filter intake to protect the impeller.

[justintrask]

it may just be that the type of sand is not meant for water, perhaps too small of a particle to be able to sink in the water, too bouyant. What brna dis it and where did you get it?

[gil_ong]

sexiness comes at a price.

[COM]

It's Estes reef sand. Labeled for fresh or salt water.

I bought it at a very reputable LFS and I was advised on it by a very knowledgeable sales person. The problem is probably not as bad as I am portraying it, my girlfriend says that I'm just being very OCD about it and she thinks it looks fine. She knows nothing about fish, mind you.

Anyway, I've set everything up and transferred in the cardinals. They seem to like it in there. I should have the lighting clips here tomorrow (decided to go topless this time around) so I'll get some pics up then. I'm off to see if I can trade in my angel and two clown loaches from the other tanks for some plants and shrimp.

And good point, Gil.

[JustOneMore20]

I've bought really small grain sand before and it did that same thing. I ended up dumping it out.....I couldn't take it. I don't know that it will ever settle.

I've never tried that particular brand, but I've seen it recommended to people before so that surprises me that you're having issues with it.

Maybe give it a couple more days to settle and if it doesn't all settle and stay there, I'd replace it.

[lohachata]

if i were to go with a black substrate,i would use the fluorite black.but i would use the small gravel rather than the sand.and fluorite does have a black sand now.i like the look of sand;but i hate the instability of it.every time something moves it sends up a cloud...lol..

[Good Wolf]

I have the Tahitian moon sand in two of my tanks and I have never have a problem with it floating or clouding.

I only washed it for around 20 minutes, if that.