Old sand

[midknight]

I have a bucket of old live sand from 2 different 10 gallon nano tanks. I moved all the sand into a single tank which crashed on me. Now I am rebuilding (see my other thread) and would like to know if you think the sand would still be alright to use. I used a "unique" method of sieves and canister filter to flush the sand before I put it in a clean bucket with fresh (salt) water. The bucket has been sitting for over a week while I work on the new tank. Any thought or concerns? I will probably cycle the tank with nothing but the sand for a while just to make sure.

 

[GorillaReefer]

As long as you flush and clean the sand real good, I don't see a problem in using it again.

 

[Agu]

I've reused old sand several times but I recycle it differently. After it's been thoroughly rinsed I dry it out completely. When it's dry I rinse it again and a whole bunch of crud floats to the surface.

My theory is that a lot of the waste in the sand is waterlogged and doesn't float to the surface. When it's dried it becomes buoyant again and separates from the sand. In any case it's worked for me.

 

[midknight]

If I finish the tank and put nothing but the sand and some cheato in my 2 rugium sections and keep it mixed up for a couple of days that should clean any "unwanted" and help kick start my cycle I would think.