RI New Guy - 46 Bow front build

dspirito · 08/22/2009, 11:42 PM

Hello Everyone!

My name is Dave, I'm from RI.
First post and first day in the hobby, its been a long one.
I have been researching marine aquariums for at least 6 months and had a 10 gallon I wanted to build as a nano, but after tons of reading and a good find on craigslist I couldn't resist I decided to go bigger for more comfort and room to grow.

I want to get right into day 1 info for you all; I have tons of questions, but don't worry I will conclusively search before I ask any.
I am very excited and a little nervous.. Let our journey begin!

In this thread I am just going to give a small intro and save the details for my build thread. My first tank, purchased today, was found on craigslist for $100. The post entitled "46 bow front tank" $100. I already get excited because that's much cheaper than a new one, so I call the guy and turns out there are tons of accessories too.. So I go check it out and I find and purchase the following:

DAY 1:

46 gallon glass bow front tank and stand - nasty it must have crashed, long story, nearly clean now, I'm a noob but knew enough to use water/vinegar mixture and not soap.

2 Pails of live rock that is dry, don't know how long out of water. Is this dead and throw out? or can I cure it?

The bottom of the tank had sand that as I sifted through with gloves looks ok, is this ok to use to re-setup? I bagged it in 4 large ziplocks.

There was a light - He said its worth a lot, I looked it up and its a T5
Current USA 36" 4x39w t5ho, I believe, the label is gone. Tested Working.

2 powerheads - maxijet 400, and 1000

and a Protein Skimmer! It says custom made in CA. I know nothing about these but I know I need one and was surprised to find it included.

other than that there was a bucket of accessories and some supplements:
em erythromycin
ultralife red slime
Ruby reef Rally

Maybe this points out a reef problem and I shouldn't re use any Rock or Sand??

Did I get a good deal?

I have the 10 gallon for QT now so that worked out well.

Hope to become a happy and active member of this forum,
Wish me luck, and patience, as I begin this long journey with a cycle, after some needed feedback from some generous reefers.

dspirito · 08/23/2009, 09:18 AM

I posted the following in the Live Rock Q&A Thread

I just bought a tear down tank off craigslist, not sure how long it has been drained, days or weeks. I got what I think is base rock with it, mostly dried. I know I must cure it but can I also re use most sand to make my low sand bed? It must have tons of bacteria. I believe the tank crashed before it was taken down, there was a dead horseshoe crab and a few dead snails.

Anyway, when I was cleaning the tank I put what seemed like good sand in bags. The rock is mostly dry and in buckets. Where do I start, I have done tons of reading including this thread and searched for base rock. If I cure in tank will it smell really bad? It will be in my bedroom. Thanks for your help.

Dave

New Post 08/23/2009 10:18 AM
llebcire "Eric" Replied
Re: Base Rock

Dave,

Looks like your just starting down the path of this wonderfully rewarding and sometimes frustrating hobby! Welcome!

I've never used dried base rock that I wasn't completely aware of the conditions that it was exposed too...well, except for one time when I eventually found out that I couldn't keep snails or anemones alive because the dried rock I was using was from a fish store's display tank and it leeching copper. I'm always more comfortable if I can see the tank conditions. Doesn't mean you'll have issues, but I would cure the rock and moitor the conditions.

You mentioned in your other thread the following medications were found with your new tank:

Reef Safe Rally: is a copper free water treatment. Use for any tropical or marine aquarium with harmful bacteria, flukes, or oodinia (marine velvet)

E.M. Erythromycin: treats and controls a broad spectrum of bacterial fish infections in freshwater and saltwater aquariums, including: fin and tail rot, open red sores, mouth fungus (cotton mouth disease), hemorrhagic septicemia, bacterial gill disease, body slime, and furunculosis (open lesions).

UltraLife Red Slime: Algae Remover

Makes me wonder what else might have been used along with these.

Also...regarding the sand...it would be theoretically possibly to thoroughly rinse the sand in clean water and re-use it, although I don't think I would just bag it with the intention of using it later. It won't leech like live rock, but there should be a ton of dead matter in there that could give you unstable paramaters in your new tank for many months to come.

Starting a new system is frustrating enough - better to not start with too many handicaps from the get go!

Good luck!

-Eric

Sisterlimonpot · 08/23/2009, 09:36 AM

I tend to agree. Those chemicals throw up a red flag and not sure I would use the live rock, the sand can be rinsed out but it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. As for the tank it sounds like a good deal. Have you leak tested it to make sure it holds water? Do you know how old the T5 bulbs are? If you are planning to have a reef tank the T5 will work but you might want to buy new bulbs. As far as the skimmer do you have a picture of it?

Sisterlimonpot · 08/23/2009, 09:37 AM

Oh and BTW

To Reef Central

dspirito · 08/23/2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sisterlimonpot
I tend to agree. Those chemicals throw up a red flag and not sure I would use the live rock, the sand can be rinsed out but it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. As for the tank it sounds like a good deal. Have you leak tested it to make sure it holds water? Do you know how old the T5 bulbs are? If you are planning to have a reef tank the T5 will work but you might want to buy new bulbs. As far as the skimmer do you have a picture of it?

The live rock is nearly base rock so I am planning to cure it and add some good cured rock on the top. Let me get this straight though, Base rock is dried out, I read of baking it or something, is that something I need to do? Does that mean just leave it out in the sun? I am going to do a container with the rock, power head and a heater. You must use salt water for that process correct? Also, when cleaning do I scrub the rock? and can I spray it with tap water? I'm new to this and honestly I have read a ton (including Beginners Guide to LR) and still don't get some stuff.

When you say thoroughly clean the sand, how exactly would u recommend doing that?

I haven't leak tested since I have moved it, that is the next step while I'm curing rock. Is vinegar/water mixture the best cleaning agent? I did about 50/50.

I'm not sure how old the bulbs are but I did more research and I believe its not a t5 but a 36" Current USA PC Dual satellite fixture. Marine Depot says its 2x96 watt, is that a ton of power? I don't want the electric bill to jump too dramatically.

I have a bunch of pictures, just need to get them on the computer and they'll be here..

Thanks for your already helpful advice!
And thanks for the cool welcome graphic!

dspirito · 08/26/2009, 10:31 PM

The Skimmer is a CPR Reef version I believe. Needs attention!!

Here is the live rock, I don't know what kind, but I decided to nuke it!
The process, which I started today at noon is:
bleach/water (about 30/70) mixture for 3 days
Baking soda/ water mixture for 3 days
tap water 3 days
rinse and new tap water for 3 days
possible 3rd rinse and 3 more days of tap,
then into the saltwater RODI mixture to cure with a heater and powerhead..

This is the tank, it turned out to be worse than I initially thought:
noticible scratches from the rock in front, algae, and bad looking silicone sealing that has been added to so it had to leak before.

I'm thinking of just buying a brand new tank...

stand:
decent shape

PC lighting:
Current USA, needs cleaning and prob bulbs...

More tank shots of how sketchy it is. I might try to reseal it really good, but will likely buy a new tank, do you think I should even try?

my toes lol..

random stuff that came with the deal:
yes even a football card! it was in the bucket..

KillerReef · 08/26/2009, 10:53 PM

none of the pics came thru. Try uploading them to photobucket.com(it's free) and then link to them using the HTTP function here or the IMG...

HTH

dspirito · 08/26/2009, 11:16 PM

Weird i uploaded them to picasa and they showed up in preview and post, must be because im logged into picasa... Ill setup photobucket tomorrow then...

dspirito · 08/26/2009, 11:24 PM

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredi...3GQ&feat=email

That is my picasa web album to view for now...

08/22/2009, 11:42 PM	#1
dspirito Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: RI Posts: 13	RI New Guy - 46 Bow front build Hello Everyone! My name is Dave, I'm from RI. First post and first day in the hobby, its been a long one. I have been researching marine aquariums for at least 6 months and had a 10 gallon I wanted to build as a nano, but after tons of reading and a good find on craigslist I couldn't resist I decided to go bigger for more comfort and room to grow. I want to get right into day 1 info for you all; I have tons of questions, but don't worry I will conclusively search before I ask any. I am very excited and a little nervous.. Let our journey begin! In this thread I am just going to give a small intro and save the details for my build thread. My first tank, purchased today, was found on craigslist for $100. The post entitled "46 bow front tank" $100. I already get excited because that's much cheaper than a new one, so I call the guy and turns out there are tons of accessories too.. So I go check it out and I find and purchase the following: DAY 1: 46 gallon glass bow front tank and stand - nasty it must have crashed, long story, nearly clean now, I'm a noob but knew enough to use water/vinegar mixture and not soap. 2 Pails of live rock that is dry, don't know how long out of water. Is this dead and throw out? or can I cure it? The bottom of the tank had sand that as I sifted through with gloves looks ok, is this ok to use to re-setup? I bagged it in 4 large ziplocks. There was a light - He said its worth a lot, I looked it up and its a T5 Current USA 36" 4x39w t5ho, I believe, the label is gone. Tested Working. 2 powerheads - maxijet 400, and 1000 and a Protein Skimmer! It says custom made in CA. I know nothing about these but I know I need one and was surprised to find it included. other than that there was a bucket of accessories and some supplements: em erythromycin ultralife red slime Ruby reef Rally Maybe this points out a reef problem and I shouldn't re use any Rock or Sand?? Did I get a good deal? I have the 10 gallon for QT now so that worked out well. Hope to become a happy and active member of this forum, Wish me luck, and patience, as I begin this long journey with a cycle, after some needed feedback from some generous reefers. __________________ 46 Gallon Bowfront Reef - Click on WWW above for thread Current Tank Info: 46 Gallon Bowfront, bought yesterday, in process of cleaning, curing base rock, then cycling..

08/23/2009, 09:18 AM	#2
dspirito Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: RI Posts: 13	useful information I posted the following in the Live Rock Q&A Thread I just bought a tear down tank off craigslist, not sure how long it has been drained, days or weeks. I got what I think is base rock with it, mostly dried. I know I must cure it but can I also re use most sand to make my low sand bed? It must have tons of bacteria. I believe the tank crashed before it was taken down, there was a dead horseshoe crab and a few dead snails. Anyway, when I was cleaning the tank I put what seemed like good sand in bags. The rock is mostly dry and in buckets. Where do I start, I have done tons of reading including this thread and searched for base rock. If I cure in tank will it smell really bad? It will be in my bedroom. Thanks for your help. Dave New Post 08/23/2009 10:18 AM llebcire "Eric" Replied Re: Base Rock Dave, Looks like your just starting down the path of this wonderfully rewarding and sometimes frustrating hobby! Welcome! I've never used dried base rock that I wasn't completely aware of the conditions that it was exposed too...well, except for one time when I eventually found out that I couldn't keep snails or anemones alive because the dried rock I was using was from a fish store's display tank and it leeching copper. I'm always more comfortable if I can see the tank conditions. Doesn't mean you'll have issues, but I would cure the rock and moitor the conditions. You mentioned in your other thread the following medications were found with your new tank: Reef Safe Rally: is a copper free water treatment. Use for any tropical or marine aquarium with harmful bacteria, flukes, or oodinia (marine velvet) E.M. Erythromycin: treats and controls a broad spectrum of bacterial fish infections in freshwater and saltwater aquariums, including: fin and tail rot, open red sores, mouth fungus (cotton mouth disease), hemorrhagic septicemia, bacterial gill disease, body slime, and furunculosis (open lesions). UltraLife Red Slime: Algae Remover Makes me wonder what else might have been used along with these. Also...regarding the sand...it would be theoretically possibly to thoroughly rinse the sand in clean water and re-use it, although I don't think I would just bag it with the intention of using it later. It won't leech like live rock, but there should be a ton of dead matter in there that could give you unstable paramaters in your new tank for many months to come. Starting a new system is frustrating enough - better to not start with too many handicaps from the get go! Good luck! -Eric __________________ 46 Gallon Bowfront Reef - Click on WWW above for thread Current Tank Info: 46 Gallon Bowfront, bought yesterday, in process of cleaning, curing base rock, then cycling..

08/23/2009, 09:36 AM	#3
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	I tend to agree. Those chemicals throw up a red flag and not sure I would use the live rock, the sand can be rinsed out but it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. As for the tank it sounds like a good deal. Have you leak tested it to make sure it holds water? Do you know how old the T5 bulbs are? If you are planning to have a reef tank the T5 will work but you might want to buy new bulbs. As far as the skimmer do you have a picture of it? __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

08/23/2009, 09:37 AM	#4
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	Oh and BTW *To Reef Central* __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

08/26/2009, 10:31 PM	#6
dspirito Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: RI Posts: 13	Update.. pics The Skimmer is a CPR Reef version I believe. Needs attention!! Here is the live rock, I don't know what kind, but I decided to nuke it! The process, which I started today at noon is: bleach/water (about 30/70) mixture for 3 days Baking soda/ water mixture for 3 days tap water 3 days rinse and new tap water for 3 days possible 3rd rinse and 3 more days of tap, then into the saltwater RODI mixture to cure with a heater and powerhead.. This is the tank, it turned out to be worse than I initially thought: noticible scratches from the rock in front, algae, and bad looking silicone sealing that has been added to so it had to leak before. I'm thinking of just buying a brand new tank... stand: decent shape PC lighting: Current USA, needs cleaning and prob bulbs... More tank shots of how sketchy it is. I might try to reseal it really good, but will likely buy a new tank, do you think I should even try? my toes lol.. random stuff that came with the deal: yes even a football card! it was in the bucket.. __________________ 46 Gallon Bowfront Reef - Click on WWW above for thread Current Tank Info: 46 Gallon Bowfront, bought yesterday, in process of cleaning, curing base rock, then cycling..

08/26/2009, 10:53 PM	#7
KillerReef Wrasse-a-holic Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: So Cal Posts: 2,083	none of the pics came thru. Try uploading them to photobucket.com(it's free) and then link to them using the HTTP function here or the IMG... HTH __________________ 80 gallon Jebo 48x18x21 Bubble Magus BM-180 Cone 110lbs Live Rock 1-2" Sandbed Mag 12 Return Pump 2 MP10s, One Left Rear, One Right front Opposite each Other 2x65w pc 03 Actinic 2 250W Lumatek w/ SE Phoenix MH about 4" above water Livestock: 10 yr. old Purple Tang, Orchid Dottyback, Melanurus Wrasse, Pink Margin Wrasse, Pair of Clowns, Bartlett Anthias, Diamond Goby, 18 yr. old Lemon Peel Angel, Blue Flasher Wrasse Mixed Reef, mostly Zoanthids

08/26/2009, 11:16 PM	#8
dspirito Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: RI Posts: 13	Weird i uploaded them to picasa and they showed up in preview and post, must be because im logged into picasa... Ill setup photobucket tomorrow then... __________________ 46 Gallon Bowfront Reef - Click on WWW above for thread Current Tank Info: 46 Gallon Bowfront, bought yesterday, in process of cleaning, curing base rock, then cycling..

08/26/2009, 11:24 PM	#9
dspirito Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: RI Posts: 13	http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredi...3GQ&feat=email That is my picasa web album to view for now... __________________ 46 Gallon Bowfront Reef - Click on WWW above for thread Current Tank Info: 46 Gallon Bowfront, bought yesterday, in process of cleaning, curing base rock, then cycling..