Oolitic sand question

I have a question regarding sugar fine Oolitic sand. 4 mnths ago I started a reef aquarium with 50lbs of live rock and a 4 inch DSB. Because of financial reasons I couldn't continue with the setup. So,....... and it pains me to say it even now,......I stopped all equipment connected to the aquarium. Needless to say everything obviously died off

As of now my financial situation is ALOT better thank god, and I want to begin anew. So at this point all of my equipment have been cleaned, and I am ready to start cycling again.

My only question is about the Oolitic sand. During the time period that I stopped the equipment, I noticed black, some purple coloring within the sand, it obvious that the coloring is a mix of dead organisims and probably algae.

The question is,.... would it be better to buy new sand or clean the existing sand with Tap water, so I don't have to spend money that could be used to buy more live rock or other equipment. I don't mind buying new sand, but at the sametime why spend when you don't have too. Any suggestions and opinions are great appreciated.

P.S. Don't ask why I did what I did, thanks.

 

I personaly would get new sand. You dont want to start something now and have going great for it to go down hill b/c you half assed it. There might be away, but I wouldnt do it. Hope this helps, Luna.

 

I would go with new sand as well.

 

could bleach the old sand

 

yeah, it wouldn't be "live" sand anymore, but the LR would seed it. if it's fine grain you could always sift out the larger piece of algea and black stuff as you so graciously put it

 

Do they really have to bleach it? I don't know if you would ever get all the bleach out... I would just clean it real good and go to LFS an ask them for a couple of pound of "SEED" sand and you will have all live sand again in no time! Never had one turn me down for either fresh water of salt yet...

 

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the advise on getting new sand, but I wanted to try and rinse the sand to see if I get good results, if not then I will get the new sand, anywho, I have rinsed the sand at least 2 times and let it sit for 3 days in a Tub. I then decided to put the sand back in the tank by first putting some sand in a bucket and rinsed it one more time before I put it back in the tank. Ihave put all of the sand back in and leveled it out, but, considering that I am trying to create a 4 inch DSB, I noticed that there are air pockets towards the bottom of the tank, should I be concerned about this? will the air pockets disappear after some time?. Because it's a DSB and from what I have read, the bottom lair of the sand should contain no air so that the anerobic bacteria can thrive. So having air pockets deep in the sand concerns me, anythoughts or suggestions? Please need advise?

 

I would keep the existing sand in the taks as another form of help to start and work towards the cycling process again!!! What better way to give your cycle a boost that with dead organisms in your benthic area of your tank, especially with the money spent initially to buy the existing sand!!!

 

Hey Coral,

What about the air pockets I am seeing at the bottom of the sand bed,...is that a good thing or bad. Also I am glad that reusing my sand won't come back to haunt me later given the fact that there were dead organisms. Luckly rinseing the sand cleaned it up. any other thoughts on my issue?