Smelly Sand.

[StephenA]

I'm in the process of constructing my Deep Sand Bed. I have 100lbs of beach sand, 50 lbs of Pure Carib Argonite, and I have 80 lbs of sand from my old tank.

When I opened the lid on the old sand the Hydrogen Sulfide about knocked me down. My neighbors 3 doors down could smell it! Is this sand safe to use? I've been rinsing it and it still smells.

Also; the beach sand is grey/brown and the agonite is pure white. They are in layers now. Would you mix them up or leave it to nature.

[Henry]

Stehpen I would not reuse the old sand if it smells that bad. I like the bright white color so I would also not mix the sands and leave them in layers.

[StephenA]

I thought so, I'll toss in the trash or in the yard. I've alread got about 3 - 3.5 in of sand. I'm going pick up 30-40lbs tonight to make up for it. Now I need to find a deal on some base rock.

[Henry]

I got dry base rock from www.hirocks.com. Great sizes and shapes. If you decide to get some from them let me know and maybe we can split shipping.

[matt]

You could use the sand if you clean it REALLY well, rinsing in R.O. water over and over until it's clean, then let it dry for a long time. Big PITA. The best thing would be to start fresh, and make sure you build up a sufficient sand bed animal population to process all the detritus that makes it's way into the sand. This will keep the waste from accumulating and producing the hydrogen sulfide.

Then you could give the old sand away, rather than just tossing it. I'd bet there's someone in the club who'd take the time to clean it and reuse it.

Good luck!

[Tim Marvin]

I'd rinse it, dry it, rinse it again, and re-use. If you don't want it let me know and I'll work it.

[StephenA]

I'll drop it off on Monday when I pick up the live sand.

[reefer]

have you considered going barebottom or just a small layer of sand??? from what i've been reading, a dsb will crash.
8)

[StephenA]

have you considered going barebottom or just a small layer of sand??? from what i've been reading, a dsb will crash.
8)

All the research I have done tends to point the other way if the sand mixture and depth are correct. My temp tank has been bare bottom and it drives me nuts with some coral just "Floating" around. Much less stuff rolling arount the bottom.

[360Reef]

Stephen,
I can hook you up with base rock if you need, looking to get $1.50/lb.

-Greg (659-4843)