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Cleaning/re-using substrate

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by beckerj3, Oct 24, 2012.

  1. Oct 24, 2012 #1
    beckerj3 West Des Moines, IA

    beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    4,812
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +617 / 2 / -0

    I just purchased the Red Sea Max 130D that was advertised here. It came as an entire set-up - including live rock and live sand. I've got the live rock in a tupperware container with a maxi-jet in it for circulation. The sand is in a bucket covered by 3-4 inches of saltwater. How should I go about preparing this to put back in the cube????? How long before the bacteria in the sand will die off? Should I rinse it with salt water??? Should I rinse it with R/O water?? Suggestions????
     
  2. Oct 24, 2012 #2
    mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

    3,985
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    +0 / 0 / -0

    I would almost suggest just getting new sand. Between die off if any, and surviving unwanted critters which are bound the be there new sand seems like it would be safer and quicker in the short term.
     
  3. Oct 24, 2012 #3
    nick

    nick Well-Known ReefKeeper

    754
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    +1
     
  4. Oct 24, 2012 #4
    nanotank10 West Des Moines

    nanotank10

    169
    West Des Moines
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    Agreed, alot of sources say rinse it with RO water and it will be fine, but experiences of moving old sand causing spikes in water levels and hitch hikers has made me decide to cut my losses and purchase new in the future. If it bothers you to toss it, throw it in your sump!
     
  5. Oct 24, 2012 #5
    Sponge Marshalltown, IA

    Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

    3,347
    Marshalltown, IA
    Ratings:
    +233 / 1 / -0
    +1 for new sand....I have some that is new, rinsed and ready to add to that new tank. (Let me know) Just use some from your other tank(s) to seed. Not only will there be no unwanted hitchikers but no trates or phates to fuel algae! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     
  6. Oct 25, 2012 #6
    ninjazx777 Des Moines, IA

    ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    2,353
    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 1 / -0
    I have never had a problem reusing old sand. just rinse it real good
     

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