prepping sand

[Craig]

SHould new sand undergo any preparation before going into a new tank? i.e. rise it or cycle it? Or should it just be put straight into the tank from the bag?

 

[masterswimmer]

SHould new sand undergo any preparation before going into a new tank? i.e. rise it or cycle it? Or should it just be put straight into the tank from the bag?

Not sure what you're using. If you use ESV, it is recommended to rinse it. If you use Aragalive, I'm not 100% sure, but I'd say it goes right into the tank. Why would you want to wash away the goodies?

R

 

[Craig]

Carribsea Oolitic. It's not live sand.

What is the best way to wash it? Should it be done using salt water or RO water?

 

[masterswimmer]

Salt or fresh is fine IMO. However, if you use fresh, I'd probably use RO/DI water. Just to avoid absorbing all the nasties we try so hard to eliminate.

R

 

[Craig]

Thanks Master Russ. I'll definately be washing the sand prior to putting it into the tank.

Should I just toss it into a bucket. Top it off with some water. Swish it around and pour out the top layer? Is there some neat efficient trick to washing sand?

 

[masterswimmer]

Is there some neat efficient trick to washing sand?

Wear hip waders

Actually, I've found that just doing small amounts at a time using your 'detailed' procedure works fine.

R

 

[Quang]

if by prepping, you mean preplacement into the tank, then Russ got you covered.

if by preparing, you mean after its in the tank... i recommend you seed it with someone's old sand or maybe LFS, to jump start the bacteria.

best of luck!