Rinsing New Sand

[kpcollins31]

Does everyone rinse new sand? I have rinsed my new sand in the past and it is a pain. I am setting up a new 90G and plan on adding 120lbs of oolitic sand (Aragamax) and seeding it with the sand in my current 55G. Thinking about it, I am not sure why there is a need to rinse sand - any thoughts?

Thanks,

Kevin

[MayoBoy]

I took out my crushed coral and put it 40 lbs of dry aragonite. I didn't rinse it - just dumped it in. The tank cleared within an hour.

(I do have a skimmer in the sump and there's was lots of white film inside the collection cup)

[TH]

You don't have to rinse it if you really don't want to... It really is your chaoice. But it's generally considered a wise decision to rinse it just to get debris and dirt and the like out of it before you put it in your tank. The general rule however is: IF it's "dead" sand rinse it. If it's live sand do not rinse it.

Good luck with the new set up. Take some pics so you can share 'em with everyone...

TH

[AZDesertRat]

If you are going for a functioning deep sand bed, don't rinse it. If you are just doing a decorative sand bed its OK to rinse it. Deep sand bed critters need the fine materials.