We bought a used aquarium, and it came with a ton of gravel, that would be perfect to use in the tank. However, my husband is afraid to use it, b/c we don't know if the previous inhabitants had any diseases. The tank hasn't been used in months according to the previous owners. I thought if the gravel had been sitting dry for months, any bacteria would be dead. What do y'all think? Or is there a good way to clean gravel to ensure it's safe. Boil it, maybe? Thanks!
Is it safe to use old gravel from another tank?
- Thread starter Carmen1979
- Start date
If it's been sitting dry there should be a bit of dust at the worst so give the gravel a few good rinses and you should be good to go.
hello; I have reused gravel many times over. I have some gravel from the 1960's and 1970's. I have so far simply given the gravel a good cleaning and had no problems. I use a few clean buckets, a garden hose and a stick such as a broom handle. I take an amount of the gravel comfortable to work with and stir it in a bucket with some water with the stick, then pour off the dirt. repeat untill clean enough.
As far as the bacteria or other problem critters go, it may be possible for some bacteria to exist in a dormant state. I have had gravel in buckets that stayed damp for many months, perhaps even over a year.
I suppose you could boil the gravel but have never tried this. You might try a small portion to see what happens.
I have used a salt paste with NON-iodized table salt to clean the glass of dirty tanks. I guess a strong salt solution would do for a number of unwanted critters, but not all.
I also have read that members use a chlorox solution to clean tanks and equipment, but have not tried it myself. I also would try a small batch to see what happens first. Perhaps soak the dirty gravel in a clorox solution before cleaning as it will need a good rinsing anyway. a search may turn up some pointers.
Good luck
As far as the bacteria or other problem critters go, it may be possible for some bacteria to exist in a dormant state. I have had gravel in buckets that stayed damp for many months, perhaps even over a year.
I suppose you could boil the gravel but have never tried this. You might try a small portion to see what happens.
I have used a salt paste with NON-iodized table salt to clean the glass of dirty tanks. I guess a strong salt solution would do for a number of unwanted critters, but not all.
I also have read that members use a chlorox solution to clean tanks and equipment, but have not tried it myself. I also would try a small batch to see what happens first. Perhaps soak the dirty gravel in a clorox solution before cleaning as it will need a good rinsing anyway. a search may turn up some pointers.
Good luck
I use bleach to clean everything. Once it dries it is gone. You can also use your dechlorinator. If you go that route you need to rinse well until the smell is mostly gone. It would just be to get rid of the last bits.
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