Does sand go bad

[mwcahill]

I have had a bag of live sand sitting on my counter for about two months now, I just got a new tank can I add this sand to the tank or does that fact that its been sitting on the counter for a couple of months with water in make it bad. It was in a sealed bag with a little bit of water.

 

[RRaider]

What brand? Some have dates on them. Even if it's past the date I think it should be fine, just won't have as many living organisms in it. I would wash it out before putting it in my tank.

jmo

 

[mwcahill]

I forget the brand i mean it looks fine and does not smell bad I think it is fine.

 

[Twz]

It's fine.
I honestly won't even buy "Live" sand
I mean its been sitting in the LFS for how long? and before that who knows were it was?
and yes there may still be something live on it but is it really worth the extra cash for it when normal sand is going to become live after you put any rock or anything in there
Oh, and if its a new tank if there is any major life on it that is now dead it would provide a ammonia source to begin you're cycle?

 

[lancer99]

Agreed with twz, "live" sand in a bag is a gimmick.

The best you can hope for is a few bazillion live bacteria.

Expiration dates are meaningless.

You'll get a few gazillion live bacteria from sand in a bag, or any sand, in a couple of days after it's in your tank.

-R