How to clean gravel?

[zongwei21]

i have this problem washing the gravel i bought.no matter how many times i wash it still makes the water chalky so is there anyway to wash it?

[fisherw]

One tip I read is to wash the gravel in a colander. Or a plastic basket or container with holes that are smaller than the size of the gravel you are washing. This way, all the smaller bits or the fine particles that causes the cloudiness get washed away down the holes. More effective than in a pail and then trying to pour away the water before the cloudy bits settle. Tip says to wash vigourously in strong water flow.

My mum used to wash veggies in a plastic basin with tiny slits. I think that would work. Have not tried the above tip but it sounds logical.

[comet]

Hey zongwei. Sometimes no matter how much you wash the gravel, its just stay cloudy. Not because the gravel is not clean, but is the tank that is lack of beneficial bacteria. Either go to a fish shop to buy those commercial bacteria start up or use a filter media from other tank, this method however could spread disease from other tank to yours.

[Cloud-Strife]

JBL's tank starter is quite a good stuff. Just pour the whole bottle into the filter media. The next day your tank water will be as clear as air

[Shadow]

I assume you are washing lapis sand type of gravel and not soil type of gravel like ADA or GEX, because you are not suppose to wash soil type of gravel.

[Rummy Nose]

Just to share the little experience I have.
- Rinse the gravel as method mentioned by bro fisherw
- Put the gravel in and fill tank with water
- leave the filter running
- it is normal for water to be cloudy and should clear in a few days (mine clear in 2 days)

cheers!

[zongwei21]

guys my tank water not cloudy quite clear just that gravel got alot shrimp droppings.i felt that its quite unsightly so decided to clean the gravels.i saw this gravel cleaning acessory on ebay but forget what brand.its battery operated and cleans only the surface of the gravel.anyone have any idea or seen it b4?

[Shadow]

saw it at C328

[zongwei21]

ok thanks will go down to check it

[Shadow]

if I rember corectly it was hang near the etrance, brand is Mr Aqua or something

[TKS7011]

There is one called "Tom Mr Cleaner"
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...ygravelcleaner
Used before, don't really like it..