moving sand

whats the best way to move 20lbs of sand from 1 tank to a bigger tank? the smaller tank has only been set up for 2 months its a 20 gallon tall with 3 shifting snails.

 

Pull it, rinse it, put in new tank slowly.

 

Hi,

With only being set up for 2 months, it can safely be moved. I have moved sandbeds that were much older with no issues, but would only do so if it's a shallow bed that has been maintained properly.

 

I would only recommend rinsing with SW to maintain the biological filter. I've personally never rinsed sand intended for immediate reuse.

 

I would agree with that. I wouldn't reuse sand, but each to their own I suppose.

 

I think it's worth re-using sand if less than 2 years old. Assuming the tank has been well maintained. Sand does become a sink though and should really be replaced every few years anyways (slowly, not all at once). So, if over a few years old, it's a good opportunity to swap it out. You can scoop the sand out with any sort of cup, or plastic scoop ect.. rinse in saltwater to remove the detritus. Then take a 2-3" PVC pipe, place one end on the bottom of the new tank and pour the sand slowly into the other end; moving it around as needed to cover the bottom.