[map95003]

Hi all, I need ~ 7 bags (20 lbs each) of aragonite live sand for my 75g build. Someone gave me 3 sealed bags (never open, still moised), and I ordered 4 additional bags. However, I was just reading the description on the 3 bags I have and they say "Use Before April 2004". Is this still good, or should I just toss it? I don't want to use anything that would cause problems in my system, it's not worth it...my guess is it's no longer live sand, but if I'm adding 4 new bags do I have anything to worry about? I was thinking about using these 3 bags for my fuge??

thanks.

[jimw369]

The sand is fine to use but you will want to add some bacteria to it as it probably had died off in the sealed bag. I have gone thru this myself. It will be fine to use in the sump or DT.

If you mix the new live sand with the old you will be alright but if you put the old sand in the sump it would help if you could add some scoops of sand from some one elses tank or maybe some GARF grunge or Miracle mud (Fiji Gold) to help build the bacteria you need in your substrate.

[pogodzib]

Yes, go ahead and use the bag. The only thing reason that it has a use by date is to ensure that some of the bacteria is alive, but it will grow on it's own anyway. You'll want to add some LR or true LS out of an established reef tank to get the beneficial critters/pods.