Seatown12

Hi I recently bought 10 LBS of black aquarium gravel and I have been rinsing it for 30 minutes in cold water and the water is still coming out black how long will it take for the gravel to become clean so when I pour out the water the water will be clear?

capekate

I have found that colored gravel really does leach the color out for a long time. Sometimes it seems the more you swish it around, the more color comes out. You will have to just keep rinsing it out til it runs pretty clear or you will have a mudded tank. I use a strainer and let the water run through it while swishing the gravel around, maybe you can try that?

Seatown12

Thanks I'll try that until I get another reply

fishlover78

I had neon gravel that leached pink water into the tank, even after I rinsed it really well, natural is best.

Lucy

I agree with Kate. It may take a while, but the color should run clear at some point.
Luckily, I've never had this problem, but I've heard of others who have.

fishlover78

I have never had this happen with estes aquarium substrate (neon) but I have had problems in the past with top fin brand neon gravel.

Seatown12

Thanks for everyones help especially to capekate and Lucy I just kept running it with cold water with the gravel in a strainer and the water became clear thanks again and have a goodnight

Lucy

I'm glad it worked out for you.

capekate

Great news! Now you are on your way to decorating the tank! Best of luck with it.

TropicalGrimmish

i had the same problem with blue topfin gravel ,took me a good 20 min to get the water clear...good luck with your tank.

Steve113

I have black sand and this was an issue for me - If you just persevere it will be fine.

I normalluy advise people to put the substrate in a bucket and go into the shower and just run warm water over it for a while.
a constant stream of water will ensure it clears up as soon as possible.