How do you dry out used tank sand to save it for reuse?

[DoubleDutch]

I always spread it out on plastic garbagbags and leave it in a shed or something to dry.

 

[AbbeysDad]

I just drain off as much water as possible, then it just sits in an open 5g bucket in a warm, dry spot and in time it dries out.

 

[Rocky998]

I just drain off as much water as possible, then it just sits in an open 5g bucket in a warm, dry spot and in time it dries out.

Aren't you afraid of mold and icky stiff growing?

 

[AbbeysDad]

Aren't you afraid of mold and icky stiff growing?

I rinse the sand well before setting asside and have never had a problem with mold or mildew.

 

[Fishmanic]

Bake it in the oven… yum

 

[StevenF]

Using a oven does work. It heated to above the boiling point of water it will be sterilied. But you have to leave it in for a while to insure all the sand reaches the temperature. Or you can put it in a steal pan and put the oven in the clean cycle. The will get it hot enough to convert all carbon in the substrate to carbon dioxide. So plant roots and bacteria will convert to ash.

 

[itiwhetu]

Aren't you afraid of mold and icky stiff growing?

mold and icky stuff is growing in your tank!

 

[Rocky998]

mold and icky stuff is growing in your tank!

Yes but more dangerous molds grow when its damp, warm, and in a container that wouldn't be good when put back into the tank.
The stuff IN the tank is usually safe like bga or something like that

 

[Stan510]

I missed this one..but,store in anything uncovered indoors in a garage,shed or in the house and it will go bone dry sooner or a bit later.