DANG! Do I need to replace my sand?

JamesNguyen · 02-11-2006, 03:23 AM

I have a huge dilemma; I’m currently remodeling and making some much needed upgrades on my 120gallon reef tank. The upgrades requires me to COMPLETELY empty out my tank; this is where my problem comes in. The tank currently has a 2-3inch sand bed, once removed will I be able to reuse it again when I’m finished or do I have to discard my old sand and purchase new sand? I’ve asked a few hobbyist about my problem but I’ve gotten mixed reviews. Please help!

I'm also new here to TRT and I heard you guys liked pictures:

my tank

Orion76 · 02-11-2006, 05:26 AM

I think if you'd rinse it really well in saltwater you could re-use it, but simply replacing it would be a lot less work and the way I'd go.

whatevva · 02-11-2006, 05:59 AM

Welcome to TRT. Yes, we LOVE pictures

(I'd replace the sand)

Geoff · 02-11-2006, 08:02 AM

Welcome to TRT!!

i think that you should just replace the sand bed. over time the calcium carbonate will absorb phosophates. it is very difficult to remove this absorbed phosphates from sand. it is fairly easy to do from large calcium carbonate structures like LR, but from fine objects like sand it is very difficult. you can place LR over a rack and let it purge itself. this is not easily done with sand. this is what "cooking" does. a SB will need to be replaced at some point whether it is in a couple of years or seven it will need to be removed. it can only absorb so much phosphates before it starts leaching them back into the water column. with a lagoonal system you can get away with keeping a SB for a lot longer.

G~

JamesNguyen · 02-12-2006, 03:31 AM

That wasn't the answer I was hoping to get

... but all well, I'm already spending over $2,200 on upgrades so a few more hundred shouldn't hurt. Thanks for the help.

btang · 02-12-2006, 06:30 AM

Weclome to TRT! Great looking tanks!

Here's one idea, go bare bottom, I only have sand around my rocks, not under. Really just for the look, maybe 1/2 inch. Something to think about.

Geoff · 02-12-2006, 08:46 AM

there are less expensive alternatives to true aragonite. as far as whether or not a BB is a good choice for this tank is debateable. since there is a lot of LPS in the tank than a DSB may be a good idea again. the problem being that it will need to be replaced again in about the same time frame. converting to a BB would require different husbandry, so it could be a matter of, if it ain't broke don't fix.

G~