Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Even though I rinsed my grow-bed media (3/8" pea gravel), there seems to be sand piling at the bottom of my sump tank. I want to make my water clearer so I can see the fish in my blue barrel.

What can I do? What is the cheapest alternative? I was thinking of just putting some of those carbon filters bought at aquariums inside a PVC pipe where the grow-bed drains out...

What can I do? Anything things to consider before undertaking this task?

Patients, Little Grasshopper...

You want thee most cheapest filter- how about a pantyhose (nylon stocking) over the pipe entering the sump- catches sand, large particles and some small particles, is fairly strong, expandable, and disposable. Just make sure you have a good tight connection as the force of the water and trapped sand will cause it to get very heavy, unless it is long enough to rest on the bottom.

Hi. Carbon filters are intended to remove toxic elements in the water and not necessarily to make the water clear. Try polyester fibers, a.k.a. fiber-fill, in a bucket between the GB and FT. Or, maybe, you have a new system and like Bill says,- patience.

Yep, that reminds me. Apparently the water clears up right? But I don't see how the sand gets eaten up by the [???] ?

If it is just sand, get one of those small dustpan and brush set, wash it really clean, sweep the sand up. If it is heavy enough to settle at the bottom of your tank, it is heavy enough to sweep into the pan. Obviously be gentle and don't try to intentionally stir things up. Gentle motion, you should get most of the sand.

If you did not use the growbed media that will break down over time, then hopefully after a few sweeps, you will not see sand collecting anymore.

And important thing, as many have already said, Patience. The more you change/add, the higher chance something will go wrong. You are trying to replicate a natural system hence provide the ammonia and nature will take its course.