Way to tell if sand needs to be replaced

Jump to latest Follow Reply
C

cholmes28

0
Jun 9, 2014
213
Marietta, GA
I have read numerous threads re no need to change sand in filter unless it is not doing its job. My filter is 6-7 years old and up until this year have never had any issues. This year I am getting what looks like fine dirt collecting in certain spots. When I brush, it gets a bit cloudy but then next day it is back. Also may be some dead algae (but not losing more than 1.5 FC/day and passing OCLT after SLAM about a month ago so not sure if dead algae or something else.

Is there a way to check if this issue is related to sand being bad?

One thing I noticed is that when I backwash and rinse I could always hear a waterfall like sound from filter when I first start rinse and I no longer hear that which makes me wonder if something is not right.
 
About the only time a sand change out is recommended I THINK is when somebody converts from baquacil. Maybe you should consider just doing a deep cleaning of the sand bed.
 
Yup, a baqua conversion will gunk up the sand big time. The only other I have seen is someone who had their chemistry messed up for a long time and the sand calcified into a huge block.
 
A simple way to tell if the dust is coming from the filter is to rubberband a sock to the return jet. If the dust disappears, you found it. If it doesn't, wait a day or two and then remove the sock and turn it inside out and look for dust embedded. If the sock is clean, it could just be blown-in dust collecting in drifts where you have poor circulation. If the sock is dirty, the filter ain't working.
 
790d462f65c5d2803516ff026614d9c2.jpg
here is sand
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply