Drying out used aquarium sand

[michelleraia]

I took a five gallon bucket of the torpedo beach sand out of my tank. I want to save it when I start a new tank. Will the water evaporate and properly dry out in the bucket on its own or should I do something. I don't want it to mildew or get ruined. Thank you.

[morpheus]

I have never had sand in my tanks personally, so my thoughts may be wrong, but i would think if you spread it out the sand would dry and you could use it again. like on a plastic sheet indoors with some sun. i dried my gravel like that after i took it out of a tank. if you leave the sand in the bucket, it is just one wet lump. i would think mold or mildew could grow if it stays wet long enough exposed to air.

[mistahoo]

Never had problem with drying wet sand in a bucket. If you're that worried about it, put the bucket outside in the sun. Don't cover it.

[supadave]

Never had problem with drying wet sand in a bucket. If you're that worried about it, put the bucket outside in the sun. Don't cover it.

+1
The sand won't mildew or anything like that . Put it in the sun and it will be just like at the beach .

[mistahoo]

And if you really think you have mildew/mold, put it in a clear container and seal it. Then place in the sun, the uv and heat will kill it