Keeping Live Sand Alive

[oh207]

Hey MR,
I've got a 5 gallon bucket filled with live stand that I got yesterday. My question is, how long can I keep the live stand like this before it becomes dead (or a problem)?
The bucket is fulled to the top with sand so I can't add any water or pump for circulation.
I'm setting up the tank in 2-3 weeks and was wondering if I can keep the sand in the 5 gallon bucket until then.

Thanks!

-oh207

 

[lnevo]

Get a larger container, it will need heat and some circulation to stay alive, or split it into two buckets.

 

[oh207]

Good idea about splitting into two 5g buckets. I should have an extra bucket laying around.

If I don't split it up and allow it to sit for 2-3 weeks and it dies. Can I still use it when I'm ready to setup the tank? I suppose the die off will cause ammonia spike and high nitrates, etc...

 

[lnevo]

Yes lots of die off. Rinse it well and it wont be an issue...it also wont be alive anymore, but that shouldn't be a big problem..

 

[oh207]

Okay, thanks. I will wait and set it up when ready.

 

[Sharkbait420]

If the sand bed is piled high the bottom layers will produce anarobic respirating bacteria. This can cause problems when adding it to the tank. I will save a few cup fulls of sand use an airstone and a heater or keep in a warm place in your house. Clean the rest. 2-3 weeks is a long time. Sometimes 2-3 weeks turn into 4-6 weeks.

 

[oh207]

If the sand bed is piled high the bottom layers will produce anarobic respirating bacteria. This can cause problems when adding it to the tank. I will save a few cup fulls of sand use an airstone and a heater or keep in a warm place in your house. Clean the rest. 2-3 weeks is a long time. Sometimes 2-3 weeks turn into 4-6 weeks.

Good point. I was planning to wait...but I just saw a group by for reefcleaners...so now will set things up sooner to try and take advantage of the GB!

 

[Cu455]

The group buy is nothing special. You just get free shipping. If you are looking at a cleaner package or rock they ship free anyway. To drive from Amityville to Brooklyn to pick it up is a trip.

It's not worth it to rush the set up for it.

 

[homegrowncichlid]

Well, the lower layers will go anoxic, but even if it does the bacterial don't die out, they just go anaerobic. So, when you dump it into your new tank, just rinse it well in sea water before adding. Or dump it in your tank, with a few gallons of seawater, like cover it with an inch of water, then mix well and dump the sulfur smelling water out (that's if you have any swampy smell). After that, add your rock and fill to the top and cycle it.

 

[oh207]

Well, the lower layers will go anoxic, but even if it does the bacterial don't die out, they just go anaerobic. So, when you dump it into your new tank, just rinse it well in sea water before adding. Or dump it in your tank, with a few gallons of seawater, like cover it with an inch of water, then mix well and dump the sulfur smelling water out (that's if you have any swampy smell). After that, add your rock and fill to the top and cycle it.

I decided to wait a bit and will set things up when ready. I plan to wash the sand thoroughly with RODI water and then with newly mixed salt water. I may even let it sit with a powerhead and heater for a little before adding to the tank.