Oolitic Sand question

[Tyslin]

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. :(

[ronert]

Are you seeing this in the sand at the glass? Or [i]on[//i] the top of the sand bed?
If it's in the sand, it sounds like you're seeing algae growth that's in the sand. No doubt with the die-off, you've created a nutrient rich environment for algal growth.
A good rinse couldn't hurt.

[Tyslin]

Thanks Ronert, I believe it was in the sand, there was alot of light brown\green stuff on top of sand as well. How should I begin the rinsing process any ideas?

[Blown 346]

I would rinse the sand, I had a system that I tore down and it sat with only sand for 2 years. I rinsed it out very well untilt he water ran clear and re used it.

[Tyslin]

Thanks blown 346,

My sand is sugar fine sand how should I rinse and when can I tell it all is well with my sand, don't want anything to come back and bite me in the butt, know what I mean? :)

[Blown 346]

The sand I have is also sugar sized. I put about a quarter of sand in a 5 gallon bucket and filled the bucket about halfway with water. Swished the sand around making sure to get to the bottom of the bucket. I also had the water and sand create a tornado effect with my hand to make sure it was getting rinsed. Then I would pour the gunky water out, and do it again until it runs clear.

[kevin2000]

I don't see much downside in just rinsing/cleaning the sand. One the prime reasons that people toss sand is because overtime phosphates can bind themselves to calcium carbonate substrates .. but that's something that is more applicable to older tanks.

[Tyslin]

Guys I really appreciate the info. If there are other people with opinions please feel free. Good reefing to everyone.

[Tyslin]

Hey Guys,

I have rinsed the sand at 2 times and let it sit for 3 days in a Tub. I decided to put the sand back in the tank by putting some sand in a bucket and rinsed it one more time. I then put the sand back in the tank. 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? becaus it's a DSB and from what I have read the bottom lair of the sand should contain no air. So having air pockets deep in the sand concerns me, anythoughts or suggestions? Please need advise?