Upgrading fish tank 90-120 gallon

Redrider

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Hello all
Merry Christmas to me. I purchased a new 120 gallon tank and stand.
I’ve read about transferring water, rock, fish, etc. and thought I was comfortable with the process and had a game plan. Yesterday at my new fav LFS, it was strongly suggested NOT to reuse live sand. The reason: It will also transfer unwanted ammonia and nitrates.
I’ll be using the same sump, refugium, protein skimmer and pump.
I’m in a quandary about recycling the live sand. Yes, I want to save money but not at the cost of creating a bad situation for the fish.
My question: Should I reuse the live sand or would it be prudent to get new sand?
Thanks in advance.
 
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Your LFS is correct. When you disturb your sandbed you mix up all the trapped detritus, and other nastiness. That then gets released into your water in the new tank, and that blast of nutrients and other trapped gasses can cause nutrient spikes in the new system. Best to get brand new sand :)
 
I agree. New sand. The cost of new sand compared to the whole build is minor. The only thing sand really does is collect waste in a closed system.

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Thank you for the responses. Ok, I’ll get new live sand.
 
Just thought I’d close the thread by stating that I have 160pounds of livesand.
The tank and stand will be delivered hopefully on Monday (Christmas Eve)
 

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