Saving old live sand (how to)

[Shnabbles]

2 weeks ago we moved and i temporarily set our 55 gallon tank and the in habitants in a large rubbermaid container... i left all the old sand and about 1 or 2 inches of water in the tank that is no sitting next to the rubbermaid container. The water and sand has had no filter or temperature control on it at all for the past 2 weeks.

Is there any way i can save and reuse this sand or since all the snails and what not that were in the sand have died is all this sand worthless now?

 

[kaihonu82]

i wouldn't think it's worthless, but maybe requires a few rinsings..?

 

[klasiksb]

After re-using old sand, I would not do it again. IMO and IME, you are better off getting fresh, new sand.

Rinsing will remove dirt and crud, but will not remove stuff that is bound to the sand, which will cause you problems later on.