what to do with old sand ?

[Cheech]

I tore down a tank yesterday, and removed some sand from my display tank. Now I have a full bucket of sand. Can I store it and eventually use it, maybe a year from now, if I decide to setup a larger tank?

I've read somewhere that sand should be replaced every so often, however, if (when I plan using it) I rinse it out thoroughly, will I be able to use it ?

[fsn77]

If you're willing to go through the trouble of rinsing it, I would keep it an reuse it. If it was me, I'd clean it now before storing it to get as much of the detritus out of it now while it's still wet, and then rinse it thoroughly again when you go to reuse it.

I'm not convinced that sand needs to be replaced regularly (if at all) in a well maintained tank. I know someone with a tank that's been running for 15 years with the same sand in it and no problems. It's even a SPS dominated tank and he has a DSB. On the other extreme, I read once where this guy completely changes out the sand in his 200g+ tank something like every 6 months.

[Lillyan]

I would rinse it out, lay it out in a large pan to dry it completely, mixing it to make sure it dries even and then store it. Otherwise, mold might grow in the damp sand.

[redfishblewfish]

If you wanted to use the sand right away, you would clean it with saltwater to keep it “live.”

But since you are knocking the tank down for a later setup, wash the sand with freshwater and dry it out. I have done this by filling a five gallon bucket about half way and sticking a hose into the bucket and using it as a mixing stick while the water is running. Allow the dirty water to overflow the bucket until you are getting clear water. Keep on doing half buckets until all the sand is cleaned. I dry the sand on a 3.5’ x 3.5’ tray I picked up at a scrap yard….stainless steal that supposedly came from a pharmaceutical company.

When you are ready to use it again, either seed it with a cupful of sand from an existing tank or use a product like Bio-spira, or just let it seed itself with the cycle and live rock you are putting in.


On another note, you didn’t mention live rock. If you allow this to dry out, it will need to be cured again. I would rinse the rock very well and cure it in its own bucket with multiple water changes…you wouldn’t believe the nasty smell it will give off. I would not recommend curing in the new tank. You get a tremendous ammonia spike and again, nasty smell.

[Cheech]

Thanks for the replies.


At the price of sand, it's refreshing knowing I can reuse the existing sand.

redfishblewfish, I didn't want to dry out the live rock. I fit most of it in my existing tank, and I have a few larger pieces sitting in a bin with saltwater, a powerhead and a heater (until i figure ouw what I want to do with it).

I completely rescaped my 90 G. I'll be updating some pics soon . :)

[DoctaQ]

you could also clean and dry it off and use it with other stuff to form your own frag plugs

[Cheech]

^^ that's interesting. . . What's this "other stuff" you speak of?

[DoctaQ]

i actually forget now but i could ask for ya, something like concrete and i think he used old calcium reactor media but you could replace that with sand.

[Cheech]

^^ If you can, it would be appreciated! ... Why not put it to good use. . .


Thanks!

[DoctaQ]

PMed my guy, waiting on his reply

1 part Portland cement to 3 parts sand and enough water to get it all wet and mixed.

i get the feeling that he used ice cube trays partially for the mold, you could find something else creative if you look around maybe