Invasive species, skimmers.

[plesio]

Hi all,

After several years of thinking, reading, and researching, I've finally started on a marine reef project! I am very new to this, so I'll have a lot of questions the next couple of decades.

I bought a used Aqua Medic Chromis tank with a cabinet and custom made sump/refugium. My first order of business is to find a very good skimmer.

The tank is apx. 35 gallons (140L). The sump is of unknown size, but probably around 5 gallons. Does anyone have any good tips on tried and tested skimmers that can handle this - and more? I am interested in really investing in this piece of equipment, so it doesn't matter if it's on the expensive side.

I also need some lighting, and want to go LED (my apartment rent includes electricity, and my landlord would strangle me if the bill skyrockets). I've been looking at the AI Sol. Does anyone have experience with this? Is it overkill for such a small tank?

The tank and sump was not cleaned when I picked it up. It was full of dead snails, sand and had been stored outside where it probably became a popular hangout for cats and wildlife. What is the best way to near sterilize it without frakking up everything with chemicals? Been thinking of boiling hot water, but it would take a long time to prepare enough (not to mention the electricity bill.

And finally: I want this to minimize my footprint. That is, buy as much captive bred and environmentally friendly species and items as I can. I understand that Clowns are easy to buy captive bred, but what other fish/invert species are readily available? I also read an article recently on tank fish that were caught on places where they are considered invasive species, but I can't seem to find it again. Does anyone have any knowledge in this area?

Anyways, it's great to finally have bought the tank - and looking forward to start up the hobby and chat with other enthusiasts! I'll start a thread with pictures and progress when I get everything shipped over.

[Tinkanator2000]

Folks have used Muriatic acid to clean tanks, you just have to be careful and not use too much or let it sit too long. The other key is to rinse the heck out of it so none is left. Honestly I think a good vinegar bath with the hot water from your tap and you'll be fine. I've never gone crazy re-cleaning any of the tanks I've stored outside, and have yet to have a problem due to it.

As far as an easy way to spot captive bred species, just look for ORA in the name.

[w16227]

Dump the sand! - New is pretty inexpensive.

Fill with tap (tap water is fine for basic cleaning). - then add 3-5 gallons of plain vinegar -and run a power head. The vinegar pretty much dissolves old algae and crud on the glass. Drain. Wipe down. Little elbow grease needed with vinegar.

If you are really worried about any more contaminates - run again with bleach. Do not need to put much in - a little goes a long way in killing any residual bacteria. Probably do not even need a full tank - just enough water in there for you to comfortably be able to wipe down the sidewalls and make sure every surface in the tank gets wet.

Drain again - let air dry and tank is ready.