[Garrett]

Hello,

I am currently getting ready to set up my 55 gal. I still need some more supplies, but while i was looking over Leebca's "Setting up a FOWLR tank" i noticed it says to clean your substrate before putting it into your tank..is there a proper way to do this??

Thanks,
Garrett

[jsheffel]

Most new substrate comes with a lot of "dust" in it. If you don't rinse it, while the dust will eventually settle out, every time you touch the bottom of the tank you will set off a new dust storm. If it's convienient, you can set the tank out on the grass, prop up one side, stick a hose into the substrate and just stir it until the water running out is mostly clear. If you can't do that with the tank, you'll have to find some other container that will hold the substrate with some room to stir it and for the water to run out.

[leebca]

For large quantities of substrate, the best is to use a bucket and do the rinsing described by jsheffel in smaller batches.

[Garrett]

Thanks for the tip, also do i rinse it out with tap water?? A total newbie question i know.

[leebca]

Tap water rinse is okay if you drain the water off really well. To be safe, a final rinse in RO/DI or distilled water would be conservative.