What Happens To Expired Bottled Bacteria?

[Forsaken77]

When the bottled bacteria, or bagged live sand, is expired before you open it, is it dead or does it change into anaerobic bacteria? Curious about this because I have a bunch of expired live CaribSea sand and a bottle. I didn't get my tank up fast enough after surgery.

 

[ca1ore]

The cynic in me thinks that since their claims are dubious to begin with, it will work just as well expired or non-expired LOL. Perhaps the 'smell test' is advisable here.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

The sand is probably okay, just check for staining or anything else that doesn't look or smell right.

I would probably toss the bottled stuff and get a new bottle just to be sure the culture was viable for use as intended.

 

[WVNed]

I would use the sand and pitch the bacteria.

 

[AdamNC]

Either should smell fresh and not rancid if it’s still good. You’ll know if it’s bad on first whiff when you open it.

 

[Forsaken77]

Yea, I got all that. But does anyone actually know what happens to it? If it turns into anaerobic bacteria I would like that.

The sand I'll rinse and seed with a fresh bottle of stuff. But I was just curious if anybody knew what transition happens.