Best Way to Clean Sand

[Shep]

So I will be moving my current set-up into a 30g tank soon and was planning on using most of the sand but I have heard that it can cause problems if you do not wash it off. So what would be the best way to wash it off with out destroying most of the bio filter?

 

[phillrodrigo]

I wouldn't worry to much about the bacteria in the sand as long as you have a good amount of live rock. Most of your bacteria are on the rock. I've rinsed before with no issues

 

[cginter]

So I will be moving my current set-up into a 30g tank soon and was planning on using most of the sand but I have heard that it can cause problems if you do not wash it off. So what would be the best way to wash it off with out destroying most of the bio filter?

Like ^ said. Most of your beneficial bacteria will be with the rocks as long as you don't let them dry out. As far as rinsing/cleaning your sand.... Put sand into a five gallon bucket and stir until water is clean.

 

[Shep]

Thanks!

 

[Kentdlange]

I had a 25 tall that sprung a leak. Had been running for about 7 months. I used a plastic dustpan and scooped the sand out and right into a 29, reset up my rock and moved the fish into it. Didn't have any problems and didn't clean anything except the tank. It had been setup for freshwater angelfish. Been running for a month now

 

[laineyg6]

It really depends on how deep your current sand bed is and how old it is. Using old sand has a HUGE risk of a nitrate explosion from all of the stuff deep in the sand bed. Personally, I think it's too risky.

It's a pain in the butt to rinse sand (I'm assuming you have 30-45 lbs of it. Imagine that in buckets full of water. Where are you going to do this? You dont' want sand in the sinks. You don't want to make a mess on the floor. If you really want to do it, you can rinse it with saltwater or even RO, but don't use tap water because of the chlorine.

Frankly, it's easier to just buy new sand, add about 10% of your old sand for bacteria if you like. But, if you are committed to cleaning it, as long as you rinse, rinse, rinse, you should be ok. Don't take too long during the move and be sure and test the water before you put your livestock in. If it's bad, I'd keep the fish in buckets with heaters and air pumps until you're SURE your new tank is ready.

Good luck!