Cleaning 1 year old sand

[xxkenny90xx]

Hey guys I'm just looking for some info on how to thoroughly clean up some sand. I'm well aware of the official sand rinse thread but I want to go the extra mile on this one.

I bought a tank a year ago, broke it down, and threw the live sand in a bucket. That sand has been sitting in that bucket ever since. Well now I'm ready to use it but I'm sure it's filthy. How would you clean it up?

 

[JTP424]

Honestly. Run tap water through it till it runs clean. Final rinse with RODI water.
Depending on the grain size you can find a colander to pick out big things etc.

 

[Jamie814]

That sand probably has a lot of sulfur bacteria in it. I would rinse it well in fresh water then let it dry out in the sun completely and another rinse.

 

[exnisstech]

Unless it is a lot of sand I would just buy new. Rinsing old sand is a pain.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Unless it is a lot of sand I would just buy new. Rinsing old sand is a pain.

Ehh I don't actually believe in buying new sand. Rock does not expire. I appreciate your input though

 

[xxkenny90xx]

That sand probably has a lot of sulfur bacteria in it. I would rinse it well in fresh water then let it dry out in the sun completely and another rinse.

That's a solid plan but we're not getting alot of sun out here these days. I think I'll have to try vinegar or something but I'm not too sure what would be best

 

[exnisstech]

Ehh I don't actually believe in buying new sand. Rock does not expire. I appreciate your input though

Not trying to convince you I'm aware rock doesn't expire but it also doesn't require repeated rinsing over and over to reuse it so comparing old rock to old sand isn't really apples to apples. Nothing wrong cleaning old sand it just takes longer and wastes more water. Its a summer activity here in since the filth that comes out isn't something I would put down my drain.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I agree put the sand in a bucket and keep filling it with tap water stir it up pour out the brown water and repeat over and over. I've done it a few times, its a very long boring job but worthwhile IMO.