New/Used tank questions

seafansar · 02/11/2008, 08:54 PM

Hi everyone!

I just bought a used 125 gallon tank yesterday. It included tank, stand, canopy, wet/dry filter, UV sterilizer, protein skimmer, siphon overflow boxes, one power head, live rock, and sand. The guy had it up and running until I got it. I'm planning to keep fish and a few hardy inverts in it. Today I've been merrily dumping things into vinegar solution to get rid of the coralline algae, except for the rocks of course.

I was wondering if it would be best to use all of the sand or get some new sand. It's kind of dirty and I think quite old; at least 3 years, but most likely older.

I've heard a few people comment that wet/dry filters just build up the nitrates, so would this be a good time to get rid of all the bio-balls? And if I do that do I need to put live rock in the sump instead? There are two "sumps" (I don't know if I'm using the word right), one is acting as the wet/dry and the other holds the protein skimmer.

Also could anyone recommend a good reverse osmosis filter that's not too pricey?

SquidHC · 02/11/2008, 08:59 PM

I would definetely ditch the sand. It can lead to all kinds of issues down the road. Get new, or go bare bottom.

I would also ditch the wet/dry filter. There generaly thought to be bad news. Get rid of any bio balls or sponges in the system also.

Replace the bio balls in the sump with live rock rubble, and do some reading on refugiums. Dont put anything in the section that has the skimmer in it.

Also, please spend some time doing some reading before dropping fish into your tank. Its not that cut and dry. Your going to need to re cycle your tank before you put anything alive in it (excluding live rock) and this will take about a month.

Welcome to reefkeeping, its a slow but rewarding process.

alve · 02/11/2008, 09:07 PM

Just like SquidHC said!

If you go with a new sand bed keep a couple cups of the old sand to seed the new sand bed.

seafansar · 02/11/2008, 09:09 PM

Thanks! And thanks for a warning! I know it needs to re-cycle and all that and I'm currently reading The Conscientious Marine Aquarist. And I've talked to a few people and read a lot online stuff. But I know there are a lot of people who don't do any research before getting into the hobby and I hate to think of all the fish and inverts killed because of that.

May I ask why you went bare bottom? I thought it was best to have a deep sand-bed to allow anaerobic bacteria to grow.

02/11/2008, 08:54 PM	#1
seafansar Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Deltona, FL Posts: 1,023	New/Used tank questions Hi everyone! I just bought a used 125 gallon tank yesterday. It included tank, stand, canopy, wet/dry filter, UV sterilizer, protein skimmer, siphon overflow boxes, one power head, live rock, and sand. The guy had it up and running until I got it. I'm planning to keep fish and a few hardy inverts in it. Today I've been merrily dumping things into vinegar solution to get rid of the coralline algae, except for the rocks of course. I was wondering if it would be best to use all of the sand or get some new sand. It's kind of dirty and I think quite old; at least 3 years, but most likely older. I've heard a few people comment that wet/dry filters just build up the nitrates, so would this be a good time to get rid of all the bio-balls? And if I do that do I need to put live rock in the sump instead? There are two "sumps" (I don't know if I'm using the word right), one is acting as the wet/dry and the other holds the protein skimmer. Also could anyone recommend a good reverse osmosis filter that's not too pricey?

02/11/2008, 08:59 PM	#2
SquidHC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon, USA Posts: 840	I would definetely ditch the sand. It can lead to all kinds of issues down the road. Get new, or go bare bottom. I would also ditch the wet/dry filter. There generaly thought to be bad news. Get rid of any bio balls or sponges in the system also. Replace the bio balls in the sump with live rock rubble, and do some reading on refugiums. Dont put anything in the section that has the skimmer in it. Also, please spend some time doing some reading before dropping fish into your tank. Its not that cut and dry. Your going to need to re cycle your tank before you put anything alive in it (excluding live rock) and this will take about a month. Welcome to reefkeeping, its a slow but rewarding process. __________________ We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams. Current Tank Info: 30x30 cube under construction!

02/11/2008, 09:09 PM	#4
seafansar Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Deltona, FL Posts: 1,023	Thanks! And thanks for a warning! I know it needs to re-cycle and all that and I'm currently reading The Conscientious Marine Aquarist. And I've talked to a few people and read a lot online stuff. But I know there are a lot of people who don't do any research before getting into the hobby and I hate to think of all the fish and inverts killed because of that. May I ask why you went bare bottom? I thought it was best to have a deep sand-bed to allow anaerobic bacteria to grow. __________________ -Sara Current Tank Info: mixed reef

02/11/2008, 09:07 PM	#3
alve Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 312	Just like SquidHC said! If you go with a new sand bed keep a couple cups of the old sand to seed the new sand bed.