re-using aquarium sand

[PokeFish]

Im setting up a new 75-gallon tank and I am planning on adding some of the rockwork in my current tanks to my new one, and I will also purchase 30 or so pounds of live rock. I was wondering if I could do the same with my sand? Its bound to be full of microorganisms and plus I wouldn't have to buy that much new sand. But I never really siphon it and I am concerned that too much waste will be released. Is it a better idea to clean the sand before adding it, or can I just add it as live sand.

 

[BanZI29]

I used the same sand when I upgraded my tank and also added new sand. I did clean the old sand before I put it i the new tank using salt water. just enough to get the water to not be green or really brown. Just add enough water to be just above the sand and move it around with your hands.
you are not gonna be able to get all the waste out but, it will get most of it.

 

[BanZI29]

forgot to say that after I cleaned it. I added the new sand and mixed it all together.

 

[Garf]

Im setting up a new 75-gallon tank and I am planning on adding some of the rockwork in my current tanks to my new one, and I will also purchase 30 or so pounds of live rock. I was wondering if I could do the same with my sand? Its bound to be full of microorganisms and plus I wouldn't have to buy that much new sand. But I never really siphon it and I am concerned that too much waste will be released. Is it a better idea to clean the sand before adding it, or can I just add it as live sand.

Old sand is ok to use if you clean it well, it will be slightly alive, lol.

 

[brandon429]

To make a sound decision read all of post 1

Official Sand Rinse and Tank Transfer thread

If you are reading this thread to cure a tank invasion from a link I sent you, we do not need to identify your type of invasion here we do not need you to test anything at anytime regarding nitrate, phosphate etc Above all, we do not need to see a microscope slide picture of your invasion at...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[brandon429]

Whether or not someone else partially rinsed and was ok doesn't help your tank, because the first linked example there above is someone where a partial rinse killed theirs

Variation and risk doesn't help you

Guaranteed skip cycle work helps you, and that's all other jobs there

Rinse the sand correctly to protect your tank in all cases. You don't need anything from the sand.