Official Sand Rinse and Tank Transfer thread

[TARHEEL78]

Easiest way to rinse 200 pounds of sand? I'm think brute can and a hose.

 

[Dburr1014]

Easiest way to rinse 200 pounds of sand? I'm think brute can and a hose.

10 pounds at a time

 

[TARHEEL78]

10 pounds at a time

That's not gonna happen. I don't have days to finish the move.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

just saw this thread. ive been toying with doing the rip clean because of all my rotten aiptasia! i dont have the time to read thru all the pages of this thread to figure out where and how to do it. i think i get the sand rinsing part. but what about the aiptasia in the overflows and rocks??

 

[Dburr1014]

That's not gonna happen. I don't have days to finish the move.

It's quicker.
Doing all at once will take you many many hours. 10# at a time is much quicker to get some in the tank. Finish later as needed. If rinsed properly, no cloud adding after the water.

 

[Dburr1014]

just saw this thread. ive been toying with doing the rip clean because of all my rotten aiptasia! i dont have the time to read thru all the pages of this thread to figure out where and how to do it. i think i get the sand rinsing part. but what about the aiptasia in the overflows and rocks??

Thought about berghia?
Overflows, depends. The big boxes berghia can get in. The pipe, different story. Redo, or cap the bottom, fill with bleach. Rinse repeatedly and detox.
Not fun, I've done it. That's my OCD.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

ive tried 2 different batches of them with no luck.

 

[Dburr1014]

ive tried 2 different batches of them with no luck.

Really?
How did you acclimate? How many did you buy?
I don't understand how this happened.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

i got from 2 different suppliers, and followed there acclimation instructions to a T. first batch i bought 10. second batch i think i bought 12

 

[Garf]

i got from 2 different suppliers, and followed there acclimation instructions to a T. first batch i bought 10. second batch i think i bought 12

I consider my hidden aiptasia as "filtration"

 

[Dburr1014]

i got from 2 different suppliers, and followed there acclimation instructions to a T. first batch i bought 10. second batch i think i bought 12

Okay, good.
When did you add them? IMO, lights out is best.

What's in your tank? I personally added with wrasse, shrimps, ect. Still worked.

When was the last time you added them? IMO, they may take up to 6 months to work, maybe more depending.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

yes, i did when lights were out. i dont have any predators and its been over 6 months.

 

[Island Goby]

10 pounds at a time

I have a 250g tank on order - how much in advance can I rinse my sand for this set up? I don't have the means to dry after rinsing so best suggestion for storing if it's possible? Much appreciation in advance

 

[Dburr1014]

I have a 250g tank on order - how much in advance can I rinse my sand for this set up? I don't have the means to dry after rinsing so best suggestion for storing if it's possible? Much appreciation in advance

The problem is letting sit damp. It starts to smell funky.
I left the bucket tops of in the sun. I spread it out in the tops of bins in the basement. Anything to keep it from staying wet for weeks on end.
You could probably get away with a week or so wet.

 

[Island Goby]

The problem is letting sit damp. It starts to smell funky.
I left the bucket tops of in the sun. I spread it out in the tops of bins in the basement. Anything to keep it from staying wet for weeks on end.
You could probably get away with a week or so wet.

that would be helpful...just soooo much sand to rinse - lol...thanks for the advice

 

[MoreZoasPLZ]

This method absolutely works. I followed all the steps, even though it took a while and some hard work. I had a 32 Biocube and upgraded to a 120 gallon with a sump with absolutely zero problems. I threw out all my old sand and replaced it but transferred over my old rock and added probably 50-60 lbs of new rock. Never started a new cycle and never even tested for anything as the directions said it wasn't necessary if all the steps were followed. I do believe making sure that no detritus is transferred over is the key. I could not believe how much i had hiding under the rocks and on them, so make sure you are diligent in cleaning them. I kept the rock wet in one tub and had another for a final rinse before adding to tank. I had everyone telling me to wait weeks and let the new tank cycle, but that wasn't an option. If you make sure the sand is rinsed perfectly and the rock is clean you will have no problems. I'm so glad i found this thread, saved me lots of headaches in the transfer.

 

[brandon429]

Thank you for posting, excellent report

 

[BR260354]

About to transfer everything to the new tank. How close on the temperature do I need to be? 1 degree close enough??

 

[Dburr1014]

About to transfer everything to the new tank. How close on the temperature do I need to be? 1 degree close enough??

Yup

Edit: 50 gallon of 75 degree water mixed with 50 gallon of 76 degree water makes 75.5 degree water if mixed instantly.
I think you will be mixing it much more slowly so the temperature will come up or down more slowly.

 

[BR260354]

My temp tank is at 78.4 and the new is at 77.2. Not moving water.

I'm just double checking before I pull the trigger!