Reusing Pool filter sand and cleaning

[Jesseliu13]

I am going to be reusing pool filter sand from a previous planted tank. I had removed the sand a while back and left it in a bucket. I want to reuse the sand rather than buying more sand. The color has darkened quite a bit compared to what it was like before. any good way to clean it or brighten the color again? can i use a bit of bleach? im going to do an insane thurough rinse with the sand regardless of using chemicals as if it was a brand new bag, but anyone know a good remedy for this? the sand has been sitting in the bucket for a good few months.

 

[SandNukka15]

I am going to be reusing pool filter sand from a previous planted tank. I had removed the sand a while back and left it in a bucket. I want to reuse the sand rather than buying more sand. The color has darkened quite a bit compared to what it was like before. any good way to clean it or brighten the color again? can i use a bit of bleach? im going to do an insane thurough rinse with the sand regardless of using chemicals as if it was a brand new bag, but anyone know a good remedy for this? the sand has been sitting in the bucket for a good few months.

Pillow case and spray wash it

 

[xraycer]

Yes, you should be able to whiten it with a strong concentration of bleach, but it will take some time and plenty of rinsing. Then after all that, it will need a final soak in water with dechlorinator to neutralize any residual bleach.

Really, for all this effort, I would just buy new sand. In my area, a 50lb bag goes for only $8-$10

 

[Jesseliu13]

yeah well i'd prefer not to waste it :/

 

[xraycer]

That's cool.....to each, their own.

Then go get some bleach and start stirring and rinsing

 

[MonsterFishCreeper]

You might consider just giving it a good wash with tap water and see how it cleans up before going to bleach.

 

[Atfownz]

You might consider just giving it a good wash with tap water and see how it cleans up before going to bleach.

This.

 

[celebrist]

yeah well i'd prefer not to waste it :/

I use my unwanted gravel to sand my drive and walk ways in the winter

You might consider just giving it a good wash with tap water and see how it cleans up before going to bleach.

This is what I always do before reusing old substrate