New to sw, have a question about my sand..

[Madreefer]

Do you guys really think that the so called live sand they sell is live or have any beneficial bacteria in it after sitting in those bags for a long time? I don't. Gimmick. But that's just my negative opinion. I'd rinse it. Only time I wouldn't is if a buddy took a cup or so out of his well established tank. Now that's live sand to me

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

Do you guys really think that the so called live sand they sell is live or have any beneficial bacteria in it after sitting in those bags for a long time? I don't. Gimmick. But that's just my negative opinion. I'd rinse it. Only time I wouldn't is if a buddy took a cup or so out of his well established tank. Now that's live sand to me

You're probably right Madreefer, to a point. Its been proven that bacteria can survive anywhere on Earth, from the highest peaks, to miles and miles down in the crust. They can also survive extreme conditions in temperatures and high and low atmospheric pressures that would turn us to jello. Damn... they even think it can survive thousands of years on asteroids and comets (although this has not been proven). Seems bacteria can go into a hibernation like state. I'm sure a few months stuck in a plastic bag doesn't have much of an effect on these little critters. I'm sure there is some die off, but lots survive.... and given the right conditions they multiple like... bacteria, Lol.