White Sand Still Looks Dirty

At first, the sand in my aquarium looked spotless, but it is almost impossible to maintain it that way. No matter what I do, there seems to always be a thin layer of particles that sit on top of the sand, even when I use a gravel vacuum or a turkey baster. If anything, it only helps a little, and my sand just gets dirty within a week again.

Does anyone have luck keeping white sand looking brand new? I don't know if keeping it super clean is realistic or not but any advice would help.

I've attached some pictures.

 

I think those are detritus from the fish. I would suggest add more flow to get the detritus to move around the tank.

 

Unfortunately, I have not had any luck with white sand. Eventually it will get Diatoms ( Brown ) and although those are easier to get clean, my sand never got back to the pure white that it was for the first 6 months I had the tank.
Just keep doing what you are doing and keep stirring it up with the baster as to not let anything settle.

 

I bought off white sand - I don't think I could ever have pristine white and keep it that way. At first the diatoms were very noticeable, but now they've faded and the sand just looks "natural". There are always little bits of fish poo and plant matter scattered around, even after a pwc and vacuum.

 

I think those are detritus from the fish. I would suggest add more flow to get the detritus to move around the tank.

I have a betta so I'm blocking most of the flow.

 

Unfortunately, I have not had any luck with white sand. Eventually it will get Diatoms ( Brown ) and although those are easier to get clean, my sand never got back to the pure white that it was for the first 6 months I had the tank.
Just keep doing what you are doing and keep stirring it up with the baster as to not let anything settle.

I'm thinking about rinsing a fraction of it weekly with each water change, like just the top layer. I don't know if it will help though.

 

I bought off white sand - I don't think I could ever have pristine white and keep it that way. At first the diatoms were very noticeable, but now they've faded and the sand just looks "natural". There are always little bits of fish poo and plant matter scattered around, even after a pwc and vacuum.

I actually did notice some algae barely showing up on the sand too but that is relatively easier to clean than all the waste.