Tank switch! Keep live sand? Or get new sand

[Zmcclinton63]

I'm doing a tank switch and am curious if I can use my live sand I have now or if I should just do all new sand?
I've seen multiple things saying not to do it and others saying it is okay? What do you all think?

 

[Bob O]

I would do about 1/4 old sand and 3/4 new based on tank switch I did about 8 yrs ago with no issues

 

[Zmcclinton63]

Okay sweet thank you! That was kinda my plan I have already purchased 4 20lb bags of live sand and 2 20lb bags of dry sand.

 

[dewboy1127]

Dont....ALWAYS change sand there to much that breaks down in the sand bed and you will release toxins into the water column and next to impossible to rinse it thoroughly enough...spend the extra few and get yourself a new sand bed

 

[Duke4Life]

I would do about 1/4 old sand and 3/4 new based on tank switch I did about 8 yrs ago with no issues

+1 the little bit of old will help seed the new

 

[Zmcclinton63]

So if I add about 1/4 of my old stuff that will be plenty to fill my new tank:)

 

[Duke4Life]

Okay sweet thank you! That was kinda my plan I have already purchased 4 20lb bags of live sand and 2 20lb bags of dry sand.

Cancel and get all dry, save yourself a few dollars.

 

[Zmcclinton63]

I've basically purchased enough for a new sand bed just curious if it is better to keep some old

 

[Zmcclinton63]

Why all dry? Don't I want most of it live?

 

[Duke4Life]

So if I add about 1/4 of my old stuff that will be plenty to fill my new tank:)

1/4 or less will be live from your old system, this in turn acts like live sand purchased.

 

[dewboy1127]

I've basically purchased enough for a new sand bed just curious if it is better to keep some old

Just use the new and have no worries

 

[Zmcclinton63]

Alright thank you all for the feed back!:)

 

[Zmcclinton63]

I'll just buy a few more bags and be safe I want a 3-4in sand bed in my tank that is 48x30 so I maybe need around 8 20lb bags

 

[ReefTankRebel]

I'm in the same predicament. Starting to sound like it's safer to just go with new sand.

 

[dewboy1127]

I'll just buy a few more bags and be safe I want a 3-4in sand bed in my tank that is 48x30 so I maybe need around 8 20lb bags

May be able return what dont use or i myself keep an extra bag on hand just in case i have to qt a sand dwelling /sleeping fish or if need add some to dt there are few good reasons to have it sure you could find one lol

 

[Zmcclinton63]

Yes it is. Better to be safe for a few extra bucks!:) wasn't about the money I just wasn't sure if it was more beneficial to bring some old sand with because it is already seeded but sounds like it doesn't matter and isn't worth the risk

 

[maroun.c]

Take a little bit of sand from the top of your sand bed to seed your new sand. Discard your old sand and add new sand. If things go south in the new tank or you get an extended cycle it'll be one thing less to worry about

 

[page2493]

I used some of my live sand from my old tank which wasnt that old to begin with but i ended up having a mini cycle which ive been fighting for two weeks.. ot was def from the older sand.. new sand is the way to go from experience

 

[Zmcclinton63]

Okay sweet thank awesome