Is this sand any good?

Newbie question coming....
I have some used LS that is in a couple of large rubbermaid containers.
Probably 150# each, covered with saltwater, from original tank.
This sand has been in these containers, covered, for over 3 weeks.
No light, no water movement.
It is starting to smell pretty bad.
Is this live sand any good? Can I use it in a new setup, 125 gal tank?
If yes, is it possible to clean it, filter it, sift it?
Helpful suggestions VERY WELCOME.

Winland

 

All I can say is it is most likly still good. (IMO) If you think about it when you go to a LFS how do they store their LS? In bags on the shelf that have been sitting there for how long? And before they had the bags? I think you prob get my point now You can put it in your tank you have. Let it sit for a lil while and see if it has any nasty dusting on top of it. If so just take and clean it off.

 

Hello and welcome to 3reef first of all!
As for the live sand? I'm sure you have some die off which is the reason why it smells. I would try removing some of that by rinsing it under some salt water and possibly place a filter and powerhead in the bucket as well to help aerate and also remove as much die off as possible. The other thing you can do is rinse quickly and just put it in your new 125. The cycle is inevitable and this will help to start your cycle in the new tank. This is just my opinion however!
good luck with the new tank! And again welcome aboard!

 

I am going to try to save this sand, dead or alive.

I have done a first filtering and transfered the sand to a new saltwater tub.
I have used a screen to sift off any large shells, dead worms and some of the other larger foreign matter. The smell is a definite rotten egg or sulfer smell.
I will siphon off this new water tommorrw and add a new batch saltwater to the sand.
Hoping this will help to clean the sand.

winland

 

That sulfur smell is a sure tell tale sign that you have die off...and it is best to rid the dead organisms as much as possible!!! What you are doing should be fine!

 

Is this a new tank set up? If so your tank will need to cycle. Adding the sand will only aid in the cycle.

But

If your trying to transfer from another tank or have cured LR I would recommend killing the sand 100%. Rinse it really really well in fresh water (until the water runs clear) and eliminate any possibility of contamination.

Don't worry it will be alive again before you know it

Here is a pic of my dead tank after transferring sand unrinsed for a health tank


Before

 

may be dead sand

HI,
Not sure of the reason your saving it,
The healthy bacteria that was living is now gone, only the anerboic that formed at the bottom of the container is causing the smell and any dead any rotting animals.
I would wash small amouts in a smaller container and treat it like its brand new, hopefully the washing will clear any detri and dead animals.
It may be risky unless you let it cure in the new tank till its completly cycles this will take a while it should cycle as any sand will I just wouldn't risk any animals til it testing ok, maybe after a few weeks.

Doug

 

Nice corals Jason!
If we keep this up our tanks are going to be healthier and nicer than our natural reefs! UNFORTUNATELY!

 

cool good tips

 

Hydrogen Sulphide.

Whatever tank this sand was in previously was about to crash due to the sandbed. Thankfully the tank was apparently taken apart before this happened.