There have been a lot of negative comments about sandbeds lately. I still think the original idea of Nitrate reduction, and the addition of a large area to hold nitrifying bacteria stlll holds, My recommendation would be to move the sand in buckets, and keeping it wet. Then when it gets to its final location I would rinse it in salt water, and put it back in the tank. That way the nitrifying bacteria will survive, and you would be away much quicker.
I have done it that way, and was happy with the results.
