Live Sand...or, not?

[VITARTE]

I recently got ahold of about 50 lb bucket of live sand. I've been told by the person who gave it to me that the sand has been in the bucket for about 3-4 weeks. It was taken from his display tank right into the bucket. The sand it's not dry it's mixed with water from his tank.
My question is, is the sand still 'live'?
I'm thinking of seting up a small (20G) frag tank and want to use the sand.
If I do, will the tank go through the whole 'cycling' process or not?
I will also be using a few pounds of live rock, taken from my main tank.
Will that help?
Any help will be apreciated.
Rafael

 

[mike_cmu04]

The sand likely had dead spots and toxic areas when it hasnt received any air. It will cause a major cycle in your tank. Better to use one cup of it to seed some fresh sand/

 

[Agu]

Take a shallow scoop off the top to seed an existing sand bed. If any sand dwelling worms are still alive and visible scoop them out also. Anything below the top inch is now probably toxic waste in my opinion/ime after sitting in a bucket for three weeks.

 

[Blown 346]

I have to say the sand is dead. I would honestly rinse all of it, and then use it. It will become live again within a few weeks. Its not safe to use without rinsing it all.

 

[Dustin1300]

I agree with the seeding recommendation...

 

[jeff@zina.com]

I'm thinking of seting up a small (20G) frag tank and want to use the sand.

You could always put the sand in, fire up the system and watch to see what happens. A decent skimmer would help with anything that died.

Jeff

 

[VITARTE]

Thanks for the advice guys.
I ended up buying a new bag of Araga-Live. I didn't want to risk it.
I'll still use the 'dead' sand though, on a bigger tank I'm planing to set next year.

rafo