Washing live sand?

[1Clown]

Hi all,

I want to put sand in my aquarium which is currently a bare bottom, previously I've always gone for Carib Sea Fiji Pink live sand. The problem is I really like the size of the grains and hints of pink in the sand but it was extremely dusty. So would I be okay to wash it clean with tap water and then let it soak in RO overnight before putting it in to my aquarium?

I don't care about the live bacteria, just like the look of the sand.

Thanks.

 

[cvrle1]

All the info you need can be found in this video:


In short, do it in small batches, rinse really well with hose and put back in. No need to soak in RO before putting it in.

 

[mrlavalamp]

Good video, I had a simple procedure all wrote out, but that video covers all the bases and then some (Melev really is a great resource!)

No need to soak in RO. This is OCD, but I would fill the bucket with RO and add a 2x dose of dechlorinator and stir all the sand around really well, let sit for 30 min and drain it off. Sand is ready to add to your tank.

 

[TriggerFinger]

Yes rinse it. Mine was extremely dusty, more so than the dry sand I mixed with it. I used tap water, no dechlorinator because I dumped the washed sand in old pillow cases and left them in the sun to dry. Wash the pillow cases in hot water first. no soap.