Smelly sand?!!

[ThatPhillyReefer]

I am setting up a 110g tank. A relative gave me live sand they had from a tank that they are taking down. They had the tank running for over 4-5yrs. I opened the bucket and the sand smelled terrible.
Is this Normal??
Should I use it or get new live sand?

 

[PicassoClown04]

I am setting up a 110g tank. A relative gave me live sand they had from a tank that they are taking down. They had the tank running for over 4-5yrs. I opened the bucket and the sand smelled terrible.
Is this Normal??
Should I use it or get new live sand?

This is because of the bacteria die off. It was run in a tank previously so it built up a lot of bacteria and things. I’d rinse it SUPER thoroughly but honestly I’d just buy a new bag because the rinsing is so much effort and will cause ammonia in your tank to lengthen your cycle

 

[ThatPhillyReefer]

This is because of the bacteria die off. It was run in a tank previously so it built up a lot of bacteria and things. I’d rinse it SUPER thoroughly but honestly I’d just buy a new bag because the rinsing is so much effort and will cause ammonia in your tank to lengthen your cycle

Okay thanks