Cleaning sand/gravel after breaking down

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by David de Beer, Aug 25, 2021.

  1. David de Beer

    David de Beer

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    I've taken down my smallest tank and instead of throwing away the sand and gravel I'd like to clean it and keep it for future use in a bigger tank.

    After three tanks worth of rinsing the water still wasn't super clean, and I'd like to clean the gravel without using up 10 tanks worth of water.

    What do you do to clean your sand and gravel for storage?
     
    David de Beer, Aug 25, 2021
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  3. A new day

    A new day Moderator

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    I’d probably soak it in a little bit of water with unscented Jik to kill any nasties, then stir and change the water, and add a dechlorinator.
    Then stir again, pour off the water and spread it to dry in the sun if possible, before storing.
    For a lot of gravel this won’t be practical but for a relatively small volume could work?

    I have an old HOB filter which is not great for actually filtering a tank but very useful for filling with filter floss when rescaping a tank- temporary extra mechanical filtration to catch all those particles stirred up from the substrate.
     
    A new day, Aug 25, 2021
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  4. Shabir

    Shabir

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    I'd shove it in the pillow case with a high pressure hose and then dry like @A new day mentioned. I don't think any nasties will survive basking in the sun. I stand to be corrected though
     
    Shabir, Aug 25, 2021
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  5. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    I agree with what has been said

    However, if ever you find yourself in the same situation, do one or two good gravel vacs before taking the sand / gravel out to wash, it will suck up most of the dirt before washing
     
    MariaS, Aug 25, 2021
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  6. HugBug

    HugBug

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    I did the pillowcase thing with all the black gravel from my 1.2m and 60cm tanks. It worked a charm.
     
    HugBug, Aug 27, 2021
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  7. OP
    David de Beer

    David de Beer

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    Thank you for the ideas everyone!
     
    David de Beer, Aug 31, 2021
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