Sand for new tank smells awful

[mphammer]

I may have messed up here.. I planned on reusing my sand from my 90 gallon for my 210. The sand had been sitting in a 5 gallon bucket, uncovered, for about 5 weeks after being pulled from a running system.
I did my best to thoroughly rinse the sand 2 or 3 times through. That was over the course of that last week or so.
Today I dumped the sand into the 210 (no water yet, just rock and sand) and it smells awful. Like that Florida marsh/sewage smell. And of course I already dumped the entire bucket into the tank.
Is the sand okay to use?

 

[civics14]

Sounds like a lot of die off and a lot of nutrients to start. Just my personal opinion, I’d remove it and put new sand. Not worth the headache to start a new system with elevated nutrients.

 

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

Sounds like a lot of die off and a lot of nutrients to start. Just my personal opinion, I’d remove it and put new sand. Not worth the headache to start a new system with elevated nutrients.

^ ^ +1. 5 gallon bucket of sand replacement less than $50. Not worth the risk in my honest opinion.
- wannabee

 

[mphammer]

Sounds like a lot of die off and a lot of nutrients to start. Just my personal opinion, I’d remove it and put new sand. Not worth the headache to start a new system with elevated nutrients.

I guess if I cant get every last bit out, its not the end of the world? As long as I get the majority out?

 

[civics14]

I guess if I cant get every last bit out, its not the end of the world? As long as I get the majority out?

Yeah. Just get most out

 

[Steve Burton]

I guess if I cant get every last bit out, its not the end of the world? As long as I get the majority out?

What, an aquarium keeper without a wet/dry shop vac, are you kidding me?

 

[mphammer]

What, an aquarium keeper without a wet/dry shop vac, are you kidding me?

Wow I am an idiot. I have probably broken down 7 or 8 tanks in the past 10 years and I never thought of using the wetvac for the sand....
Thanks Steve!

 

[Milkmonster]

I would think it would be die off and stale water. Both can make a awful smell