reuseing sand

[myfrostymember]

im upgrading to a 75g from my 30g and im wondering if i could use any of the sand of just have to get all new sand?

the 30g has been up for a year and a half maybe

 

[el Deutche]

I believe you can, but I think it might restart a cycle. Someone with more experience should confirm.

 

[SaltyDr]

I would guess that there is a fair amount of nutrient build up in your sand. I'd save a few cups and then wash the heck out of the rest if you plan on re-using it. If you don't wash it you run the risk of high nitrates and phosphates in the new system. Since you aren't talking about a lot of sand, I'd save a few cups to seed new sand and not worry about the issue (plus the effort of cleaning the sand).

 

[SimilanRocks]

I reused sand from the old 60g. I thought it's ok. But I believe it's acting like phosphate bank. I just removed it today.

I would do as SaltyDr said. Keep some old seed and use new sand.

 

[Thunk]

If you kept the sand wet I would use it for sure. If its been up for a year and a half its "live" sand baby! dont pitch it. If its been in a bucket for a month then rinse the heck out of it!:eek2:

 

[jbaty]

I would use it as well... just keep in mind... with every new tank.. you are going to go through a cycle... even if it's a small one.

With live sand coming from one tank to another.. it will be a shorter cycle than other times.

 

[Agu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11647993#post11647993 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaltyDr
I would guess that there is a fair amount of nutrient build up in your sand. I'd save a few cups and then wash the heck out of the rest if you plan on re-using it. If you don't wash it you run the risk of high nitrates and phosphates in the new system. Since you aren't talking about a lot of sand, I'd save a few cups to seed new sand and not worry about the issue (plus the effort of cleaning the sand).

That's more than a guess and good advice ime.