Originally Posted by Imaexpat2

Here my thoughts on that subjet for what it might be worth to you...

If it was previously a reef tank and the owner just bit off a little more than they could handle and decided to thro in the towel then the substrate is likely very usable still. If it is sand and not crushed coral, then I would highly suggest washing it in RO water thoroughly and then reuse it. I would add it back to the tank with a bag of live sand or a few pounds of Garf Grunge. Either of these will seed the old sand bed with new colonies of benefical bacteria. The latter may also add sponge spores, coralline algae spores, 'Pods and various worms and such as well.

The biggest reasons for not using existing sand are several. One you dont know if any copper based meds were ever used. You dont know if there was a huge nitrate issue for heavy nutrient over load in the tank before either. Calcium based substrates are pourous and will soak things like this up like a sponge and when in water again it will begin to slowly release these compounds. Often times many will use Crushed Coral for a substrate which in my opinion is one of the worst choices out there. This type of substrate has a tendency to trap all kinds of crap within the "sand bed" creating a nutrient rich enviroment that leads to high Nitrate issues, poor water quality and persistent algae issues. None of these are things you want. You can use Crushed Coral substrate just understand that they will require constant cleaning on a regular basis. It is for this reason, and also becuase I am kinda lazy, that I very much prefer CaribSea Seaflor grade sand or finer grades in my tanks. With adequate filtration, water circulation and sand bed fuana I can usually avoid many of the problems associated with Crushed Coral "sand beds".



While there are some very reputable Stores out there you might wanna exercise some caution. All are in the business to make money and pay the bills, this means making a profit. Many are far more comcerned with thier best interest more so than yours. There are many stores and sales reps out there that are willing to tell you anything you wanna hear inorder to make a sale or move something off there show room floor or livestock tanks. Learn which ones you can trust if any in your area and proceed with caution. Again this in not a condemnation of all, there are some out there who are very dedicated. Once you have been in the LFS business you will be able to relate to what I am saying here. I would explain all the little ins and outs of the business but it would be better fitting for a novel vice a useful thread. Before you take thier word for something...RESEARCH IT and prove the information to be correct! This also goes for anything you are told on the internet as well.