Washing/Re-Using Sand

Hey all,



I recently drilled my tank out and added a sump, and in the process of it I had to move everything into a temporary tank. When I moved everything back I used fresh live sand in the DT, and I took the old sand out and put it in a bucket.



I do not have any sand in my refugium presently, and it's mostly because I have not seen small amounts for sale at the local shops. I was thinking maybe I can wash out my old sand and use it in my refugium. Is this something I can do?



My main hesitation was that I struggled with nitrates prior to the conversion of this tank, and since I have been at 0. I don't know if the old sand had anything to do with it though. I did not have a sump or skimmer previously, and I added these so the lower nitrates may be a result of this. I don't want to risk adding anything that will reverse the progress I made however.



That said, I am wondering if I should wash this old sand and use it, and if so, what the best way to do it would be. I think that killing it with RODI should be a good thing if anything since I don't want to risk a mini cycle or anything starting if I add fresh live sand. I figure cleaning it with RODI and killing anything in it will be safe and then when added to the fuge it will get seeded by the already established bacteria in my water.



Any input is appreciated as I am very new to this.



Thanks!