Switching Tank from Fresh to Saltwater

[fd678]

Right now I have a 56 Gallon freshwater tank with aquarium sand as the substrate. Is it possible to clean and reuse the sand that I have or do i have to buy new?

Thanks

[Reefscape]

I would not, no. For the cost of it, i would buy yourself a good aragonite reef grade sand, and start from fresh..

[fd678]

that is the type of sand i have, but i can buy new. How much is a good amount of substrate?
also, what is the best procedure for rinsing the sand? It doesnt have to be rinsed with chlorine free water does it?

[Reefscape]

average about 2 - 3 i always shoot for...A lot depends on whether your going to want sand burrowing critters or fish like pistol shrimp or jawfish..If thats the case then a more coarse grain sand and at least 4 inches ( pref more ) is required..

[fd678]

what about the rinsing?

[Reefscape]

For rinsing, i put the sand in an old pillow case, and run cold water through it, gets most of the dust out quite quickly. Never suffered a cloudy tank using this method..