Old Biocube 14 Setup Help

pjreute · 12/15/2015, 06:10 PM

I had a 55 gal FOWLR some time ago, and have found some time and money to get back into the hobby. In any case, I received an old Biocube 14 from a co-worker and it hasn't been setup for probably >5 years. It looks pretty rough, sand still in it, etc. Before I get into any type of setup, I assume I need to clean the tank up, which is where my concern lies. Are there any considerations to take into account after a tank has sat this long? What should I use to clean it and get ready to start a setup as I am new to this type of setup. Any help is much appreciated!

Martini5788 · 12/15/2015, 08:15 PM

Remove all sand. I would soak the tank in vinegar solution to remove any calcium deposits. For a tank that hasn't had anything in it for 5 years, after being completely clean, I would let it sit with water completely filled for at bare minimum a week, longer if you can. Place paper towels around all edges. Tape them to the seams around the tank. That's the only way to
Spot a small leak. I would replace any bulkheads and plumbing to be safe.

pjreute · 12/16/2015, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martini5788

Remove all sand. I would soak the tank in vinegar solution to remove any calcium deposits. For a tank that hasn't had anything in it for 5 years, after being completely clean, I would let it sit with water completely filled for at bare minimum a week, longer if you can. Place paper towels around all edges. Tape them to the seams around the tank. That's the only way to
Spot a small leak. I would replace any bulkheads and plumbing to be safe.

Thanks so much. Is tap water ok following the vinegar?

Martini5788 · 12/16/2015, 09:11 AM

Yup totally fine.

pjreute · 12/27/2015, 04:12 PM

Sorry to keep bothering, but I let it sit for a few days with a 1:1 vinegar water solution and then let it sit for a few days with just water. Should I refill it again with just water and maybe run a cheap HOB freshwater filter to remove any traces of vinegar?? Also, no leaks spotted.

homer1475 · 12/27/2015, 06:33 PM

Vinegar will dissipate and is totally reef safe(people dose vinegar as part of carbon dosing)! Just let it air dry for a couple days to let the odor dissipate.

12/15/2015, 06:10 PM	#1
pjreute Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 3	Old Biocube 14 Setup Help I had a 55 gal FOWLR some time ago, and have found some time and money to get back into the hobby. In any case, I received an old Biocube 14 from a co-worker and it hasn't been setup for probably >5 years. It looks pretty rough, sand still in it, etc. Before I get into any type of setup, I assume I need to clean the tank up, which is where my concern lies. Are there any considerations to take into account after a tank has sat this long? What should I use to clean it and get ready to start a setup as I am new to this type of setup. Any help is much appreciated!

12/27/2015, 06:33 PM	#6
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	Vinegar will dissipate and is totally reef safe(people dose vinegar as part of carbon dosing)! Just let it air dry for a couple days to let the odor dissipate. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work"

12/15/2015, 08:15 PM	#2
Martini5788 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Beaufort, SC Posts: 2,303	Remove all sand. I would soak the tank in vinegar solution to remove any calcium deposits. For a tank that hasn't had anything in it for 5 years, after being completely clean, I would let it sit with water completely filled for at bare minimum a week, longer if you can. Place paper towels around all edges. Tape them to the seams around the tank. That's the only way to Spot a small leak. I would replace any bulkheads and plumbing to be safe.

12/16/2015, 09:11 AM	#4
Martini5788 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Beaufort, SC Posts: 2,303	Yup totally fine.

12/27/2015, 04:12 PM	#5
pjreute Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 3	Sorry to keep bothering, but I let it sit for a few days with a 1:1 vinegar water solution and then let it sit for a few days with just water. Should I refill it again with just water and maybe run a cheap HOB freshwater filter to remove any traces of vinegar?? Also, no leaks spotted.