Recycling sand

Discussion in 'Sand' started by jokaz82, Oct 22, 2013.

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  1. jokaz82

    jokaz82 Fire Worm

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    I have 2 tanks. one with white sand (FOLR) and the other with black(reef). I was told that it'd be a good idea to change my sand out. Well, since i don't want to spring for new sand I figured that I'd just clean them with fresh water a few times then switch them out. Wouldn't be difficult, just need a few more buckets. What do y'all think? Has any of you ever done this?
     
    jokaz82, Oct 22, 2013
    jokaz82, Oct 22, 2013
    #1

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  2. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    how long has the sand been in the tanks? I feel like removing it all might cause the release of toxic gasses that built up over time.
     
    Va Reef, Oct 22, 2013
    Va Reef, Oct 22, 2013
    #2
  3. Pickupman66

    Pickupman66 Tassled File Fish

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    So. You have running tanks and someone told you to change out the sand? Smack them. Hard.
     
    Pickupman66, Oct 22, 2013
    Pickupman66, Oct 22, 2013
    #3
  4. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    +1 110%
     
    Mr. Bill, Oct 23, 2013
    Mr. Bill, Oct 23, 2013
    #4
  5. ivanbosk

    ivanbosk Feather Duster

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    There has to be more to it. Are you moving soon? Upgrading to a bigger tank? Something?
     
    ivanbosk, Oct 23, 2013
    ivanbosk, Oct 23, 2013
    #5
  6. the glass guy

    the glass guy Flamingo Tongue

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    Was gonna ask the same thingi am upgrading but the sand is only about a month and a half old
     
    the glass guy, Oct 23, 2013
    the glass guy, Oct 23, 2013
    #6

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  7. jokaz82

    jokaz82 Fire Worm

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    We are moving. He said it was a good thing to do. So is washing old sand a good idea.
     
    jokaz82, Oct 23, 2013
    jokaz82, Oct 23, 2013
    #7
  8. sim1killa

    sim1killa Astrea Snail

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    Don't be cheap....


    If you move your tank and its been set up for say 6+months toss the old sand. its to much work to clean out and you don't want to be messing with sand when you have $1000+ in live stock sitting in buckets.

    if you do rinse sand make sure you drain all water and remove all live stock prior to disturbing the sand.
     
    sim1killa, Oct 23, 2013
    sim1killa, Oct 23, 2013
    #8
  9. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !

    ^pretty much. Depends though on the size of the tanks though and it's a lot of work to clean the sand from large tanks.

    New sand is worth the investment.
     
    Corailline, Oct 23, 2013
    Corailline, Oct 23, 2013
    #9
  10. ivanbosk

    ivanbosk Feather Duster

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    I run a bare bottom tank and couldn't be happier. Do not reuse substrate from a move unless you thoroughly clean it. NOT worth the effort IMO. New sand or no sand would be my vote.
     
    ivanbosk, Oct 23, 2013
    ivanbosk, Oct 23, 2013
    #10
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