Used sand

OCD · 07/08/2007, 09:15 AM

I've got about a 150lbs of sand from a tank that someone else took down for free. I don't know what there tank perimeters were. I Just know the tank was setting for about a month with water flow and a little light and the water looked pretty yuk.
I have a crushed coral bed right now and it can be a pain in the but.
Would the sand be ok to use or what to do to make it safe?

Iron Maiden · 07/08/2007, 11:55 AM

when I set up my 125 I bought 10gals of used sand from my LFS. It came from one of their clients tanks that they had just taken down, so I knew that it was somewhat fresh. Oh, and full of copepods and critters! that worked out well.

hubris007 · 07/08/2007, 12:00 PM

If you aren't really comfortable with the history of the sand, i'd probably go with the "sand rejuvination" method.

Put it in a shallow tub and use a garden hose to rinse it. Keep rinsing until you aren't getting any debris coming out. It takes a LOT of water to do this and it will kill everything in the sand.
If you want to keep some of the critters in the sand, then keep a cup or two of it sat aside and rinse the rest.

Dirty sand can be a real nightmare, so consider carefully.

07/08/2007, 09:15 AM	#1
OCD Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saucier,MS. Posts: 19	Used sand I've got about a 150lbs of sand from a tank that someone else took down for free. I don't know what there tank perimeters were. I Just know the tank was setting for about a month with water flow and a little light and the water looked pretty yuk. I have a crushed coral bed right now and it can be a pain in the but. Would the sand be ok to use or what to do to make it safe? __________________ ITS NOT A HOBBY IT IS A OBSESSION!!!!!! 100 Gallon Reef Tank, 30 Gallon sump, 300 watts of CF light, Mag 18 Pump and 3 assorted power heads for circulation. 1 Gold Stripe Maroon Clown,1 False Percula, 4 Lemon Damsels ,1 Domino,1 Green Chromis, 2 Talbot Damsels, 2 Blue Devils, 2 Tuxedo Damsels and Assorted Corals 20 gallon saltwater quarantine ,55 Gallon Fresh water,45 Gal.corner tank(The Goldfish Bowl) Current Tank Info: 100 Gallon Reef Tank, 30 Gallon sump, 300 watts of CF light, Mag 18 Pump and 3 assorted power heads for circulation.

07/08/2007, 11:55 AM	#2
Iron Maiden Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 79	when I set up my 125 I bought 10gals of used sand from my LFS. It came from one of their clients tanks that they had just taken down, so I knew that it was somewhat fresh. Oh, and full of copepods and critters! that worked out well. __________________ "Here's to you Mr. way too proud of Texas guy". Current Tank Info: 125gal reef with 2 yellow tangs, 1 skunk clown, 7 lemon damsels, 4 pink smiths damsels, 1 scooter blenny, 1 banded coral shrimp, sally lightfoot, 2 hermit crabs, 4 gigantic turbos, 2 anemoneis, and corals.

07/08/2007, 12:00 PM	#3
hubris007 Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Springfield, Il Posts: 1,520	If you aren't really comfortable with the history of the sand, i'd probably go with the "sand rejuvination" method. Put it in a shallow tub and use a garden hose to rinse it. Keep rinsing until you aren't getting any debris coming out. It takes a LOT of water to do this and it will kill everything in the sand. If you want to keep some of the critters in the sand, then keep a cup or two of it sat aside and rinse the rest. Dirty sand can be a real nightmare, so consider carefully.