Sitting sand

[TurboBrett]

Randy,

I have about 90 lbs of southdown sand sitting in a 45g tank that up untill 3 weeks ago was live sand. It has been sitting with no light and no circulation for 3 weeks. The sand has developed a strong oder which I believe is a sulfurish smell. The tank is a new system i wont be adding any life to for a few weeks.

My questions to you are;
Should I keep this sand and add a little dry southdown to it? (I'm shooting for a 4-6" deep sand bed, so far the 90lbs is only a couple of inches)
Should I start all over with the sand?

Thanks in advance,
Brett

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Brett:

I'd wash the sand with salt water, if you want to keep it "live" or with RO/DI water if you don't. If it doesn't smell after washing, I'd use it. If it still smells, I'd dump it. I'd expect that you can reuse it OK.

[TurboBrett]

Randy,
Thanks for the reply!

I think I will wash and rinse with RO water.

-Brett