Used sand?

[fraggel rock]

I went and got another tank yesterday ang it is going to be just another kinda spare setup for more room and coral grow out area. I was wondering if you guys usually rinse your sand if it is used? I have read several different opinions and I dont know which is actually correct. I dont want to rinse any beneficial bacteria away but I also am worried about things that could be in the sand. I sifted thru the sand to make sure the were no suprises like screws, hot dogs, or childrens toys. I was thinking of putting the power heads close to the bottom to stir up the sand bed and let the filter sock and skimmer get everything out. What are your thoughts? Dont tell me to go get new sand. This is the budget tank...lol

 

[hackman72]

If you rinse it, just make sure you keep some to seed the tank with the bacterias (as long as it's pest free). I've done both ways without any problems.

 

[fraggel rock]

I wonder if I should use some flatworm exit just in case.

 

[hackman72]

did the tank have flatworms?

 

[fraggel rock]

Not that I know of but I really dont want to find out once I get livestock in there. I plan on letting this tank cycle for a while before putting any livestock in. I dont want to see anything in here besides maybe a few bristle worms. I can deal with them.

 

[hackman72]

Bristleworms are benaficial actually. As long as the populations aren't in over abundance, they're a great part of a clean-up crew. As far as using flatworm exit, I can't say. Some have used it and it not worked and others have loved it. Yours is just a preventive measure. I wouldn't really see the need myself, but that just me.

 

[schwaggs]

Why not rinse it with fresh water? I would fill a 5 gallon bucket 1/2 full with dirty sand and run the garden hose in it until the water runs clear. This will kill some bacteria but you are letting it cycle anyway. Flushing with fresh water will ensure the sand is CLEAN!

 

[down and outman]

I've washed sand the same way. Works good. Just save a little sand to seed it.