How To Rinse Used Aquarium Sand for Safe Re-Use

Rinsing out used sand saves money, and you can safely put that clean sand in your next tank without concern. It's a good project to tackle in the warmer months, best done outdoors. Easy, sort of. Here's a blog entry about rinsing out tank sand: www.reefaddicts...
Link to Shade foam blog: www.reefaddicts...
Be sure to enter the contest, winners will be selected after 72 hours from when this video is released. I'll attempt to contact you directly if possible, as well as post two winning names in the comments. EDIT: Contest winners have been announced here: • Contest Winners Announ...

[@koacox21]

Used this same technique when taking sand from the ocean here in Hawaii. always get some cool hitchhikers even after a freshwater rinse. Mahalo.

[@CoralReefkid]

That’s so lucky!

[@louisasmiles]

This was really satisfying to watch

[@melevsreef]

You're watching all my videos, aren'tcha? ;)

[@pjfreak99]

The phrase "watching paint dry" can now be replaced with "watching sand get rinsed."

[@theodoregrissom2342]

I think that is a fair assumption lol

[@tranger4579]

that's exactly how I would clean my gravel in my fresh water tanks, when I started with saltwater at the time everyone told me it was a no. Over the years I decided to go back to my old techniques and got away from Deep sand beds, I do believe in max flow to keep detritus from collecting and to increase filtration in the system. Great Vid.

[@spaghetti1641]

Thanks for this. It is my first time cleaning out a used tank and so wasn't sure if the process was the same as for new sand. What a relief it is. Great to hear your stories too.

[@atf305f2]

this is the reason why I watch your videos. I did not know if I ever had to clean my sump. I just felt like it's a sump and all the good and bad stuff just seats in there. thanks again for another great lesson.

[@robertsuttle7543]

I’m pleased to see I use the same method, I even have the same “Kent MarIne” bucket. As previously mentioned I’m replacing a 500ltr (130 gals US) after a tank leak. My fish and rock are currently living in a bucket (75 gals US). Because my new tank is still being built I will wash the sand again before use, I’m sure there will be some bristle worm remains to flush out.

[@JC-bs2ov]

I have wanted to rinse old sand a number of times but did not for fear of reintroducing detritus. I am relieved to see a pro endorse 'recycling' sand; I hate to throw away such material. Thanks for the info.

[@Manaz101]

you could have also opened up the trash bags and draped them on the inside of the tank, so as to have a barrier between the sand and the glass. then once all the sand was in, gently pull up and out the bags. I did that once on a nano tank, worked flawlessly! keep the content coming! thanks

[@melevsreef]

Good tip!

[@tydymiler]

This is pretty much how I've been cleaning sand for my tanks, so Glad to know others are doing the same.

[@peytanshort6515]

I am upgrading soon from a 29 to a 90 gallon tank and am glad to see I can reuse my existing sand! Thanks!

[@john-lw9uq]

I use filter socks on my sump to make sure detritus can't even get into my refugium, therefore no buildup and no washing sand. Great video!

[@melevsreef]

I would too if I didn't HATE SOCKS SO MUCH! ;)

[@BigDaddysReef]

I have done this twice and hate it. Thanks for all the videos that you share. I love the reef community.

[@klc317]

Having not had an reef aquarium for a couple years I can just smell the old dirty sand right through the screen...lol! Its something you don't ever forget. That seems to be the best way I've ever found to wash out and reuse sand....very tedious process.

[@melevsreef]

lol - smell-o-tube!

[@HerringZFish]

I did this too. My task was for a 130G so it took FOR EVER!!! ...but it worked. One thing to watch out for, if you have a big project, limit the "fluffing" with your hand because the grains provide a lot of friction against your skin and it will wear your skin out! Wear a glove if you have a lot to do. Next time, I hope to rig up something like a paint stirrer but my battery operated hand drill as a drive probably won't last long enough to finish the job. I'm guessing that if I just rent a more powerful unit, the project will go much quicker.

[@kcnick89]

I just got done doing this to a clients fuge. Was a process, but it really paid off.

[@fbcpnyouth]

Appreciate your content! I will be using this information to clean out an old biocube so I can get it started up!

[@leeandmandybattersby5958]

Is it just me or is there something satis satisfying about watching this sand get cleaned

[@maine932]

A point to ponder: Maybe for a seasoned reefer this video could be shortened during the sand cleaning process, but for those entering the hobby, or fairly recent into the hobby, it is interesting as well as informative. You present it well, I liked it.

[@viper5479]

Great idea w/ the use of trash bags to transfer sand into tank, it should cut down on getting water and stuff on the floor. Great video what a process

[@dangappa]

I used a 20 gallon tub in my bathtub. Stired for hours and let it sit for two weeks. It reeked! I rinsed again and it was mostly clean. Still raised the nutrients really high for a few weeks.

[@melevsreef]

It probably would have been better to rinse it out much better outside to really clean it out. That smell - eww. :p

[@larryloaf4938]

i have followed this advice from your web site for the last few years when ever i have moved tank

[@siondaneshrad6761]

Very helpful. I was always nervous if it was a good idea to wash it out. Worried that it might shock my tank by getting rid of all the bacteria that was sitting there. Thanks man, Uuuuuuuge fan!

[@melevsreef]

Your tank is full of bacteria, as well as the overflows, and other sections of the sump. Cleaning out the debris is a good thing.

[@siondaneshrad6761]

Love your videos, really helpful! Do you have any suggestions or videos on Skimmers. My skimmer isnt pulling out thick waste like it used to and im wondering if my valve is too closed and i should open it up. i think i remember a while back someone suggested i close it a bit to get smaller bubbles in the neck but i cant recall. All i know is now im getting water a little waste, my water is NOT that clean. lol

[@melevsreef]

I have two videos on skimmers. I guess you should watch both, in this order: kzbin.info/www/bejne/haiypoKLZrRkeNk kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZTWh4agltyfp6c

[@Cliffepoos]

I have used this method for years even with new sand right from the LFS. It still needs to be cleaned. Love your videos. Thanks for making them.

[@davidtrail2354]

Just did the same thing with some new sand for a new 125 gal tank. It is hard on the back and I'm feeling it this morning!

[@MikeLemming]

Good video! I literally have 40lbs of sand sitting in my driveway on a tarp as we speak! Didn't know what to do with it but now all my questions have been answered. Thank you!

[@SweatyReef]

I have used this rinse method before on my freshwater system that had sat empty for 8 years. It works great for remove all the unwanted debris. thanks for the video

[@melevsreef]

You won! Be sure to send me your full name and shipping address via email at [e-mail]

[@playlifedb1]

O Man U have no idea how much headache I had till I saw your video I just purchased a used tank yesterday !!it came with nice aragonite sand but everyone was telling me to throw it out and start with a new sand and I Am like why throw it a way when I can wash it dry it and reuse it will save me at least $70 but thank god I came across to your video and I subscribed you !!thanks again I will be watching your videos to learn cuz I am new to the hobby

[@richinscarpentryinc.9450]

Great video, I've kept a regiment of cleaning the sand in my sump about half a year. Meaning I remove half clean it out very similar to what you did and replacing it. I firmly believe it helps keep the nitrates and other crap to a minimum. I've also been known to tear the tank down every 4-6 years and clean the sand out a re set. Its amazing how the tank looks after a good cleaning :) Thank you Marc for making these great videos !!!!

[@Mike__B]

I've done this before, but I never had the feel like what I was doing is right. Now I know I did perfectly fine, good to know!

[@sailorsaturn2156]

I am actually super surprised you didn't get stung by a bristle worm hiding in the sand while you washed it all out. But that is a good thing. Hated finding the little blighters whenever my grandma had her tank deep cleaned.

[@melevsreef]

I think it floated up and out during a pour session at the beginning since I didn't even notice it until I was cleaning up. I did check my fingers for bristles... I got lucky. :)

[@terlas]

Diddn't mind watching the rinse. Counts as oddly satisfying to see the water get clear.

[@user-ci4mx7mh1k]

Thank you so much for this! I wish I could talk to you in person more regarding this topic but your video covered the majority of my questions! Thank you so much for this!

[@NickClimbsHills]

Quick tip! You can use a big fish net to get larger volumes of sand out. Works really well.

[@melevsreef]

Thanks!

[@NickClimbsHills]

and since the net is square, you can get every inch of sand out of the tank/sump instead of leaving some in the corners.

[@demariosreefaquarium7475]

Very informative video.. I had to do the same with my 3 inch sand bed in 90 gallon setup.. It was infested with bristle worms and I just didn't have the $$ for new sand.. After about 4 hrs of rinsing out 5 buckets of sand, where I introduced some coral RX in each bucket and let them sit for 30 mins.. Tons of bristle worms floated to the top as I stirred the sand.. Then I dipped all my live rock in coral RX,once again bristle worms where running for the hills..lol. Next time I will dip in fresh h20 with Muriatic acid to really clean them out.. Let them set in fresh Ro reef water..and let them cure again for few weeks.. But all your videos are always on point.. Knowledge is always a good thing.. Happy Reefing. Oh I just purchased a 2 head Aussie torch coral.. Wish me luck..

[@exe2112]

Iv done this many many times over the years for fresh and salt water tanks. Finally started a reef and just went bare bottom.

[@MattWeber]

this gets to be one if my projects soon. sand will be moved from display to a new sump in my next build. new display will be bare bottom

[@joshuaschutz2429]

thanks for this information. I'm coming up on 3 years in the hobby and it probably about time that I clean my sand. I'm so glad to hear that tap water is OK to use for this since I don't have a rodi system just yet and am buying filtered water by the gallon.

[@TheSpalty]

I used to use a kiddy pool if I was cleaning a lot of sand, to save my back. It does take a bit longer, because I just overflow the pool while constantly stirring. also love the vid

[@cubanreefer1582]

Am about to star using the miracle mud on my refugium am still watching videos that's why am checking all yours Thank a lot

[@theabsoluteworstest]

Very helpful, I’m reusing some basalt I saved from a tank I broke down earlier this year and I wasn’t sure how I was going to rinse it

[@spencergaconnier3578]

That WAS the plan, until I took my mom into the fish store with little experience, she fell in love with a carpet anemone, I must admit it was pretty cool, until my tangs disappeared... So when I told her I was selling it back to the store she asked me to set up a tank just for it. Then I found an old 10 gallon for frags. Too many systems! Trying to get the biocube. Very basic and for beginners but it's all in one which is my best bet right now. Thanks for responding!

[@Santiago-619]

can't believe I found this really interesting

[@ballcardz]

Very cool tutorial. Wish it wasn't so much work, but it is a money saver, and as expensive as this hobby is, any money saved is fantastic! Thanks, Marc!

[@ChaosGeneral1]

It's always satisfying to clean up the sand in the tank. It may take some time but so nice when it's all white agian.

[@michaelnorwood4268]

Thank You so very much. I needed this... I just bought a 125 Gallon Reef Tank, moved it 120 mile's and reset it up in my garage (1st) to be sure everything is still water tight prior to putting it in my home. The Live Sand has worms (for sure) and I wasn't sure how I could clean it? thought that I might damage the aquarium's eco-system (so to say), so when I prepare to move it into my home I'll do the complete CLEANING with out worry! Again Thank You So Very Much' Obviously I am reasonably new to LIVE/Salt Water REEF Stuff'

[@erica.5583]

Hi! I rinsed my sand like that too in a bucket.. in my sink.... when I moved! I had to clean it because it was so nasty! I noticed though the less sand in the bucket the better, faster and easier to clean.

[@ReefSpy]

I used this same method on some sand I got with a used tank. Always wondered if it was ok to reuse it, glad to see it was. 🙂

[@beej1254]

I'm really glad you posted this video because my sand bed in my display has been looking rough. I've thought about pulling it out for some time to either rinsing it or buying new sand altogether. I'm not sure what the best approach would be but it might be worth it. Ever sense the beginning of summer I've had some pretty nasty cyano and brown dust on my sand bed. To combat it I updated my plumbing for better tank turn over, got a better return pump, added more bio filtration, and an algae turf scrubber. My tank also sits close to a window which the summer sun hits perfectly, so I blocked that off. I changed my 1.6 year old RO/DI filters (oops). Everything seems to be improving already. But I still believe rinsing the sand would be a good idea.

[@RussMcCord]

I cleaned out my refugium sand this weekend. Pretty much followed your method.👍 Thanks for all you do

[@jayhousel2288]

I've moved tanks a few times and done this every time but, I was always worried about using tap water. I like the video and think it's definitely a thing to do.

[@strictlyfish267]

Ive rinced and reused sand so many times but I usually use tank water to rince it along with a 5 gallon paint mixer so I can keep as much beneficial bacteria on the sand

[@melevsreef]

Nice idea.

[@ferozkaamil1]

I was always wondered about how to clean sand safely. like always It's nice to have a beer and enjoy your videos. Cheers 🍻

[@puppiesguppies5438]

Sweet! Thank you I was thinking it should be fine to reuse but wanted to be positive and ended up finding a whole method to take care of my problem! Thanks for the solution, at least I’ll only have to replace my aqua soil not my sand :) (probably replacing it with sand since I can keep it forever) I usually just buy more or stick to river stone and the fluval substrate, but I’m so sick of fluval lol

[@brockkirschenmann9711]

What made this easier for me was no hose tip, just hose, and leave bucket upright. And then just keep plunging the hose down. It goes down easy and the nasty water keepers overflowing with the updraft and sand keeps overturning but the wait drops it down. This eliminates all your stiring and the tipping After about 5-10 min You have crystal clear water

[@Mr.Glitch]

I was horrified with the amount of gunk that'd accumulated under my live rock when i dismantled the 60L tank last week, no wonder i was having nitrate issues! Lesson learned!

[@melevsreef]

Contest winners announced in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ7CXo2En8ipg9k Thanks for all the comments, you guys rock!

[@melevsreef]

@D.K. Music Yes, tap water is perfectly fine for this. The video covers several points; hope it helps!

[@Tokyo_Hikari]

Love all your videos, I've rinsed sand in the exact same way. Just for a nano tank though, so one bucket was enough. But it still tore my back to shreds!

[@eprestwood1]

Outstanding demo, hope your back recovered quickly.

[@tidalfluxofficial]

I have a high flow barebottom refugium with some cheato now. 30 days ago I took out my sand and added minimal live rock cause I have a nano also added a strong powerhead. It has helped my issues and I believe that the high flow is alot better. Keeps the detruis from settling and gets caught in the filter floss. You said mentioned low flow refugium and the sand almost being a detrius trap and I agree. PS Bought your RO/DI 75gal awhile back and its the heart of my reef thanks Melev

[@SuperEpizzle]

Loved the video!!! This has helped me save lots of money when I upgrade to my 120 gallon

[@Ellery-USA]

good video, just did this last November when I switched my tank from 90 to 120.

[@sanfordswanson4950]

I have always believed it would be very beneficial rinsing the sand annualy to keep nitrates down

[@melevsreef]

As you know, nitrates are best controlled with water changes. But vodka dosing or biopellets have pretty much solved that problem entirely. But if you see a buildup of debris, it would be good to remove that from time to time.

[@carlon2003]

Washing sand seems so much fun

[@AndyYoung]

I've done it myself several times -- this works fine.

[@PursuitofHappiness]

Great video on cleaning sand. It made my back hurt just watching you! Glad to see you posting more videos.

[@reeferstatus2781]

Love this video, this is the easiest way I have found to wash sand.

[@daveonbass79]

Thanks for all the years and labor you've put into this hobby and all the videos and articles that have been hugely influential towards making the rest of us better reefers. I am always excited when I get a notification of your new videos. even if I do t win anything...cheers to many more years of videos and information. *clink*

[@melevsreef]

Cheers!

[@alexm.596]

I find that if you take the nozzle off of the hose, and place the hose all the way into the bottom of the sand, it churns and cleans it better. You also don't have to do nearly as much work.

[@melevsreef]

I've done that before like you suggested. I think the nozzle worked better by comparison.

[@ShannonProcknow]

love the videos! keep it up. I've been rinsing and reusing old sand for awhile now. hate throwing it away when its so expensive to start with new sand.

[@billymitchell2983]

Thanks Marc for the video. I'll be using this technique on several buckets of sand I have for a new setup.

[@mordanchez]

I also thought this was really relaxing to watch. Thank you!

[@EricNoa]

I like long videos so I don't mind. Very good information and a good way to save money in this very expensive hobby!

[@danscustoms5425]

Washing sand is the worst! It's much easier watching you though, good job!

[@melevsreef]

Glad you liked it. lol

[@KC-iu3rq]

Great tip on the bristle worms as well! Never heard that one, but I'm going to pass that tid bit around.

[@Reefkpr1]

Thinking about doing this myself when I upgrade tanks. Thanks for the video

[@nicholasjohnson1295]

Im setting up biocube lol my old reef died so im doing it over...im glad i found this i did not want to buy more sand. Thanks!

[@ianfarquharson3772]

You could use Bubble Bags that hash makers use. There made to use in the bucket you use N water can run out the bottom. Really cheap aswell

[@ekop28]

Having done this before. it's definitely back breaking work! Keep up the great work!

[@shawngauvreau3709]

Great video!Doing it on an outdoor table would help out the back pains!

[@EODJMC]

I tried rinsing sand once before with the intent of saving it for when I set up my new tank. After several hours of cleaning I decided the juice wasn't worth the squeeze. The amount of money I would save with old sand wasn't worth the risk. Of all places to save money on your reef, sand isn't one of them. Just my $0.02. Regardless, good video Marc

[@ReeferMadnessLive]

Good info, been rinsing sand since I started . I just use prime to alleviate any concerns

[@BigDubb]

ive always wondered if I could wash old sand to supplement my existing sand in my DT. Thanks for the infos.

[@Utubereefer]

Doing this tomorrow. So excited 😆

[@andrewrumfelt8098]

Great video. I'm getting ready to take down my tank and was wondering what would be involved in saving my sand. Thanks!

[@jonas2431]

great video very informational. I like using black sand. I like the color.

[@qwicxs]

Thanks man love your videos. You’ve really helped me thru the years. You just saved me a lot of money.

[@ronaldjohnson4470]

Great video, I enjoyed it, you are a genius. You actually got me to watch the whole video.

[@Emmanuel-rs7eu]

I usually rinse my sand in a bucket with RODI and then I boil it and to dry it I put it in the oven at 400 F and then put it back in small quantity every week.

[@melevsreef]

You don't need to boil it nor bake it. It's ready to use once rinsed. Be very careful boiling anything aquatic-related, because you are putting yourself and your household at risk by inhaling something. Once it is steam... it can enter your nervous system.

[@JerettRidesMtb]

Going to try this on 90 pounds of sand I have lying around from a used tank purchase I bought last year.

[@valdezorbust]

Bucket is the worst container for this. A plastic tote is ideal because you want something that stores contents horizontally not vertically. Put three or so inches of sand in it and rinse at least twice as fast. At least

[@melevsreef]

Good tip!

[@francisjoelmathew]

I have done this before ..... What I do is leave the hose in the bucket so that the nozzle is at the flat bottom and then decant the water off ... I do this like over a time of 5 minutes .... But the schedule is actually annual ... This way the detriments is mostly removed but most of the beneficial bacteria is retained [The hardy ones]....

[@tonymarshall509]

I know times are hard , but bugger that , just buy a new bag or better still some miracle mud .happy rinsing!!!!!

[@melevsreef]

This would have been four bags at least for that zone. And what would I do with all the used sand? Hide it in the garage? ;)

[@cheseenlo]

that bucket vac is about to change my life

[@melevsreef]

Remember, it only holds as much as the bucket allows. Don't go crazy. :)

[@NavyTom91]

I have found if you take off the nozzle you will get more water flowing through and it goes a lost faster. I have really good water pressure off of the hose and the nozzle just slows it down.

[@melevsreef]

Thanks for the tip!

[@melevsreef]

You won! Be sure to send me your full name and shipping address via email at [e-mail]

[@micahwhalen3866]

I just did this for a new tank build. Nice video.

[@jennv8136]

Great video! Just did this on my new tank build ... Works great

[@bwtegu7135]

What i like to do when i clean my sand is put a little square i made to fit in a 5 gal bucket with holes drilled in it hooked up to a massive air pump and then add the sand on top of it then add water and wait for the air pump to bubble all the junk out and then do a few minutes of the rinsing like you are doing

[@michaelturner1794]

Great info!!! I'll definitely put it into use when I upgrade to my 220 gallon soon!!!!

[@davidahles6367]

OK, that was a lot of work and yes... I watched the whole video!!!. I use the same process when cleaning my sand, works good. Cool beer glasses.