P&L wrote:

Still tweaking a new plant tank, 1 month old 90 gallon. Initial
startup plants are in, co2 running, chemistry good. I have some final
re-arranging of rocks and wood to do, plus I need to add to my
fluorite substrate. Any ideas on how best to get more fluorite to the
bottom without turning the tank into a particle soup?

I was thinking of using a margarine container, gently top up with
water, then put the lid on. Bring it to the bottom and slowly pour
out the fluorite. Make little piles in this way all over, then spread
it out later.

Another suggestion from the LFS was to use a PVC tube, a couple
inches in diameter, and pour the fluorite down the tube. Might work.

Ideas anyone?

Phil
Ottawa

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If you start by rinsing the flourite then what little cloudiness that
you get will go away within a day. For small batches of flourite you
can use a fine mesh kitchen strainer and a gentle stream of water. Stir
the flourite a little until the effluent is clear. For larger amounts,
you can use a 5G bucket. Fill with a strong hose, stir if necessary,
and pour off the dirty water. Repeat until you are satisfied with the
result. Usually it takes at least four repetitions but it goes fast.
The result is clean enough to put in the tank without special measures.