Cleaning Sand when upgrading tanks?

04scoobysti · #1 03-26-2007, 09:48 PM

Im upgrading my 10g nano tank to a 20g tank, due to a leak (have had the tank for 17+ years) and i was wondering if anyone cleans their substate when they move or upgrade their tanks?
I know there is alot of deterious sp? buildup is the substrate, i use Caribsea aragonite <2mm and it is 2-3in deep.
Should i be cleaning this before i put it in the new tank? or just put it in "as is" and deal with the tank clouding for a day?
Also is there any chance of releasing traped nitrates or amonia from the sand when doing this?

I don't want to go BB either i still like the natural look of the sand

04scoobysti · #2 03-27-2007, 07:05 PM

bump!

Reefer Rob · #3 03-27-2007, 07:44 PM

It's best to buy new sand when you switch tanks. Skim a little of your old sand off the top if you want to "seed" your new tank. If you had a DSB it gets really nasty down deep, I wouldn't want to re-used it. Lately I've gone to about a 3/4" sand bed, which I stir a couple of times a week (like a Zeo reactor)

fishface · #4 03-28-2007, 02:38 AM

i've read alot about not using it and some saying they used their sand again. so i'll chime in here for ya, from own personal experience...i've done it at least 3 times without incident, not even a hiccup. i rinsed very well till there was virtually nothing left to rinse and voila!! hope this helps.

oh yeah, don't forget that the sand you're paying $30/bag for has been used before already

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justinl · #5 03-28-2007, 03:17 AM

I took old sand from my 60gal and moved some into a new biocube i just got. I don't see why there would be any problems. Then again my 60gal isn't exactly aged yet either.

andresont · #6 03-28-2007, 04:51 AM

You can use it , just make sure to wash out all the dirt. Or it will spike your nutrient count, and it will lower your ORP very rapidly. Sand beds use a lot of oxygen. Changes like that are not welcomed by the corals so wash it good.
Well, you know you need to use your tank water for washing right?