Jay

Solid particles called "fines" loose in the water column will reflect light (cloudy water). You are going to need a really fine micro fine filter or a diatom filter to get rid of them.

What is the powdered sugar stuff, was it originally a bottom layer over which other material was laid? Just curious. I would take it out, I know I know big hassle, may be time to invest in a diatom filter.

Regards,
Jay

ahill3780

Poly Filters are very efficient at clearing up cloudy conditions. Try running one in the tank for a little while and remove it when the tank is clear. Then see if the cloud returns. Eventually the sand will settle and develop a coat over it to help keep it down, if this is what is causing the cloud. If it returns then I would suggest trying Jays idea of using a diatom filter.

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fernival brainard

it was a bottom layer with gravel over it, what is a diatom filter? Slowly but surely with each vacuum i get more of the fine sand out. I only have like another 20 or so pounds to go (WOOHOO) but on the upside, even with the haze and the steps I am taking to get rid of it, the whole experience is still zen-like.

ps if anyone read this before i figured out how to use the quote option...I just wanted you to know I wasn't trying to plagerize jay, just blundering through the process of posting and stuff...it's all new to me