Dry sand arrived today, how do I add it

[mskvarenina]

I'm started up a new tank, first in over 10 years. The talk is dry and empty and the CaribSea dry sand just arrived. The bag said it does not have to be rinsed but may be cloudy for a few days. It also says I could rinse it.

How would you start this tank and add the sand? I can't image how to rise 80 lbs of dry sand and add it to the tank.

 

[lnevo]

First add your rocks into the tank. Get your aquascape the way you want it. Then in a large rubbermaid or one bag at a time in a 5g bucket and rinse with tap water a few times till its not as cloudy. You could do it outside with the garden hose too. Do a final rinse or two with RO water. Now that you've rinsed the sand add it to the tank. Good luck in your build!

 

[mskvarenina]

I've got 90 lbs of BRS reef saver rock coming this Friday.

I wonder if I could just put my RO supply at the bottom of the 5g pail and a drain hose at the top and just let it drain off the top down the drain. If I rinse with tap water, didn't I already contaminate the sand?

 

[lnevo]

It will need to be stirred up. The sand isnt going to absorb stuff and you wont leave it sitting in there for long...you are just rinsing it. You could do two ro rinses if your concerned.