Quick!!

[CoreyB]

My friend had a FW tank, and he had sand for the bottom, well he wants to know if I want the sand for my new SW, can I use this sand if I rinse it out well?

[gman0526]

I wouldn't. Start fresh Corey... less problems in the future. You have no way of knowing 100% if the sand is loaded with any chems.

[CoreyB]

He said he got it from the beach here on Okinawa.

But I dont know if that makes it any better

[gman0526]

The problem is that if there were any nasties added to that FW tank, you might end up with a ton of troubles later down the road :wink: Once it left the beach and entered a closed system is a whole other ball game.

[CoreyB]

So, can I collect sand from the beach and use that?

[jman785]

I do all the time, for marine show tanks. White beach sand here.

But I don't just add it directly to the tank...I let it cure in freshwater for a week or so...changing the water like every day, stiring the sand and stuff...

Then I add :)

[Doctor_Reef]

The fresh water will kill the organisms in the sand but may not remove all or any pollutants....Just a thought....

[Sugar Magnolia]

True. I've heard it's best to collect sand from about 20 feet offshore or farther.

[Doctor_Reef]

Agree.... I am sure that some areas have fewer pollutants anyway but the 20 feet rule or further if possible may be best..... :wink:

[coral_diver]

Couldnt the sand be rinsed with bleach water real well and say something to dechlorinate like stress coat until no smell of bleach is left then allowed to dry more or less like we do with dead corals or shells for hermits???? The tank was fresh water that the sand was in so really there shouldnt be anything I can think of that would transfer to salt and the tank will have to cycle anyway....I just dont see a problem with using his friends sand if the above is done???

[CoreyB]

How should I collect sand from the ocean?

[Sugar Magnolia]

Plan a dive. :razz: I'd say, a pair of pantyhose, cut the legs off and stuff them with the sand. It'll probably be much easier than trying to drag a bucket around under water.

[CoreyB]

Plan a dive. :razz: I'd say, a pair of pantyhose, cut the legs off and stuff them with the sand. It'll probably be much easier than trying to drag a bucket around under water.

Well, I kinda figured that :p ;)

Thank goodnes I'm dive certified :rockon:

[FishinInTheDark]

Thanks to the "Don't ask/Don't tell" policy, you can get away with having stockings in your locker now! :oops:

[coral_diver]

Just wanted to mention you may want to check out your laws in your area to be safe....I know here in FL we are not allowed to take sand from anywhere! If they catch you there is a huge fine!!! Being dive certified is such a great thing isnt it. LOL @ Connie!!! Yea you can have stockings in your locker but dont get caught holding same sex hands!!! LOL immediate out, go figure!