Old live sand

[Yesevil123]

Helloooo so I was wondering if I can reuse OLD live sand from like maybe 1½ years ago, its in a 5 gallon bucket that's been sealed since then. I don't mind buying sand I just had this bucket laying around so I figured I'd ask and see.

 

[exnisstech]

If it has been sitting that long there may not be much life actually in it. Personally I never reuse sand. IMO it isn't worth the effort to clean it. I always rinse new sand multiple times before adding so even live sand would be dead when I finished cleaning it. I think a better option would be new rinsed sand then add a scoop of live sand from an established tank of you want a bit a head start.

 

[PharmrJohn]

I don't see any reason why not. But it would need to be cured. Phosphates can absorb to sand, much like similarly stored dead rock.

 

[aSaltyKlown]

Yes, just make sure to rinse it well, of course there may not be life in it since it sat so long. I've used the same sand in 3 tanks within 4 years.