Setting up flourite

[t2dxk0]

Hello all, The first time I tried to set up flourite didn't go so well.

I had to drain the tank and take out the flourite.

So I googled and searched and this time I'm going to rinse it in a bucket until it runs clear and add the water very slowly and hopefully avoid getting a 30 gallon mud puddle.

Anyone have any last minute tips before I give it a try?

Thanks a lot!

[HD Blazingwolf]

RINSE TILL ur water bill reaches 100000 dollars

otherwise, if u dont rinse it will eventually settle or get picked up by the mechanical media

the longer and better u rinse though, the better ur chances of not having cloudy water

[Knotyoureality]

I found it much easier to rinse in small batches than large; small batches are easier to get thorough agitation so as much is suspended in the waste water as possible before it's poured off.

A big cat litter box worked well for me. Doesn't have to be tipped as far as a high bucket so it's easier to get more water out on each rinse and the broad base spreads the flourite out so it's easy to get the entire mass agitated on each rinse. Easier to see how clear the water is getting as well, not being in a deep light sink like you get in a bucket.


Bucket's still handy--use it to hold the batches as you finish rinsing 'em.

[t2dxk0]

Sounds like a plan. I've got an unused cat box and I'll rinse, more rinsing is better. I'm glad I asked. Thanks a lot guys.

[thenameless]

yeah small batches are the best. i had to rinse 2 and a half bags of flourite but there was no cloudy water at all!!!

[Bandit1200]

I never rinse my flourite and never had a problem. The key is a slow fill. I use a bucket and an airline tubing to siphon water into the tank. Sure it takes a while, but it's still faster than spending 2 days or more trying to wash the stuff out and/or having a cloudy mess in the tank.

[m00se]

This video shows you the easiest way there is to install substrate without the mess. He's using a 1 liter but I've used 3 liter bottles and even the big iced tea ones like Arizona. The key is to be ready when the bottle empties to cap it off with your hands. This works!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-XB0bwtZh8

[Knotyoureality]

I've done several tanks now with the stuff--and will always choose to rinse. Not necessarily crystal clear rinsing, but at least knocking the dust back a significant amount.

My first time using it, I didn't rinse, was super careful filling and wondered why there was such a fuss about it. Right up until I did a major re-scape that involved pulling up major root systems. Took massive water changes, filter cleanings and close to a week to get the water clear again.

[stevenjohn21]

Originally Posted by m00se

This video shows you the easiest way there is to install substrate without the mess. He's using a 1 liter but I've used 3 liter bottles and even the big iced tea ones like Arizona. The key is to be ready when the bottle empties to cap it off with your hands. This works!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-XB0bwtZh8

This is by far the easiest and quickest way. Ive done it to all my tanks and never had a problem.