Boy how reefing has changed......

[David Barnes]

Hello all, I am new to the site and started back reefing about a month ago after being out of the game for 10 years or so. Things have changed a lot and reefing seems to have gotten a little easier. With all the new controllers and great new products available. I have a 58g with a 30g sump that I have started with and am in the process of making a algae scrubber. I have some questions to ask and looking for advice on another tank? I have a gentleman wanting to give me a 75g with a 55g sump and refugium also had a skimmer on it. He broke it all down 3-4 weeks ago and just wants out of it. The tank has 60 pounds of sand and 80 pounds of LR. Can I just bring it home set it up and let it run its course and not add anything to it? I was thinking wash the rock off and fill the tank with RO water, add my salt then add the rock and let it cycle through. Will this work and any suggestions??

 

[Koa]

Hey and welcome to R2R!

I would personally start with fresh sand and rocks but I suppose you could use the old sand and rock.

 

[David Barnes]

So I shouldn't use what he already had? I don't plan on adding anything to it for a while as my focus is going to be the 58 I have already going.

 

[cracker]

I'd think the rock would be Ok.But consider You don't know it's history. As for the sand?I think I'd go with new sand Just my 2 cents

 

[dave9905]

I would definitely get new sand.

 

[rcpalmer1]

You said the same thing I said. Things have changed. I had a reef tank 10-15 years ago. I just got back in a few months ago. I have been search post here and getting a lot of good info. If you search youtube for "BRS 160" there is a 52 week series that give information on every part of setting up and running tank. What I liked about it is they do a lot of testing and not just going by someones opinion.

 

[David Barnes]

Sounds good, new sand it is. Then add the rock and let it cycle through?

 

[David Barnes]

Yes, I have done a lot of reading and video watching this last month. I love BRS those guys are great. I'm really just focusing on my 58g right now, but I really want to set this 75g up and just let it run a while before adding and little critter to scurry around in the sand.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I was thinking wash the rock off and fill the tank with RO water, add my salt then add the rock and let it cycle through. Will this work and any suggestions??

I would soak the rocks in a muriatic acid bath. That will clean them and remove any phosphates.

 

[Reefrookie220]

If your like me,I'm cheap, I'd at least rinse the sand and if it came clean I'd reuse it.

As far as the rock goes, I'd give it an acid and lanthunm chloride bath. If your um familiar with three process check here, https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/curing-dry-rock-process-review.241614/

 

[MMreef]

I've re-used sand on many different occasions. I understand some might be hesitant but what could possibly survive a good bleach bath? :3 When I clean/re-use sand I get a couple of 5 gallon buckets and rinse the sand until it comes out clean, throw some bleach into the bucket, mix it up a bit and let it sit for a few days and, finally, rinse out the gravel really well.

 

[melev]

I would definitely wash out the sand. Here's my video showing you how:


The rock is up to you. Is it submerged in saltwater, still in circulation? Or just drying out rock in a box / cooler?

 

[David Barnes]

The rock is just in Trash cans after he broke them down three weeks ago. Thank you for the advice very appreciated. I think I shall be washing some sand. Saving money is a big plus so I can spend more on Corals