Live Sand

[Francisco]

What is the deal with live sand? I had to empty a 40 gallon for repairs and removed everything, I left the sand soaking under the same water but as soon as I finished with the job and atempted to return the sand to the tank it was stinking is this because is dead now?, what should I do?

 

[fishfreek]

Did you have water circulating over the sand? Did you have a heater in the water to keep the water temp up?

I suspect if you check your ammonia levels they may be off the chart.

 

[Francisco]

No circulating water, just with it, I don't need heater, it is a pretty warm room, I haven't measured ammonia either but I know it must be in the toxic levels, I washed the sand with the same water that was running and saved separately to put it back in the tank, now is with circulating water, filters, pumps and skimmer working like before but I haven't put anything else "live" yet, the very next thing I will be adding is live rock, my concern was if the rotten smell from the sand will cause problems in the future.
Thanks for the reply

 

[OrionGirl]

All the critters that live in the sand have probably died off. You'll want to run some water through there and I'd use that ammonia to kick start the cycle. You'll need to re-stock the sand with critters (worms, pods, etc).

 

[Francisco]

Will the live rock help to repopulate the sand then? Sounds like it won't be problem at all, only a matter of time, more suggestions will be welcomed
Thanks.