Live sand question

A fellow reefer gave me 2 5 gallon bucket fulls of live sand. This sand has all kinds of life in it. from brittle starfish to pods to bristle worms. My question is

I'm not ready to add it to my tank yet and I want to wash it first (in saltwater) I moved them to a big Rubbermaid and added about 10 gallons of saltwater. What is needed to keep most of it alive? Do i just need a power head in it?

Thank you
Jacob

 

powerhead and heater. if its too deep the bottom layer will go anerobic.

 

+ 1

 

the Sand might be 3 to 4" and the water is about 4" above that. I have a power head in it and I think its keeping the water warm

 

You can stir the sand weekly until you are ready to put it in the tank. Scoop out the sand with a dish, lower the dish slowly to the bottom and gently pour out to keep the sand storm down.

 

Great! I just want to wait until next weekend so i can take my time and do it right!

 

Best way to go, best of luck.