Cleaning Sand when upgrading tanks?

04scoobysti · #1 03-27-2007, 07:05 PM

bump!

Reefer Rob · #2 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 · #3 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 · #4 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 · #5 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?

Todd · #6 03-28-2007, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andresont

...and it will lower your ORP very rapidly...

What is ORP?

04scoobysti · #7 03-28-2007, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd

What is ORP?

ORP = oxidation reduction potential IIRC

04scoobysti · #8 03-28-2007, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andresont

Well, you know you need to use your tank water for washing right?

I thought if i washed it i could use RODI water, and some tank water. I need to save as much water as i can for the Transfer to the bigger tank (going from a 10gal to a 20 gal)