New/used 216 gal Reef tank

[Brandon123]

Good Evening. I have two questions. First off I have had two biocubes 14gal and 32gal for three years. Last night I bought a 216gal used tank. The current owner hasn’t tested water in two years, hasn’t changed water in 4 years and isn’t running a sump. The tank is currently running on two oceanic canister filters with media and filters that haven’t been changed in a year. So needless to say when I pick up the tank on Wednesday I’m going to have a lot of maintenance and cleaning to do. 1st question is what are thoughts of continuing to run with canister filters and not drill for a sump? Also it currently has three Galixy Hydro led lights hanging from the canopy. Will those be enough to grow anything? The tank is 24in deep, 29in tall and 72in long. Any advice would be appreciated

 

[Diesel]

No canisters in any event :mad: in a size tank like this.
The lights might not be the best lights but put some thoughts and homework on that.
Is this tank a RR or do you need to drill and instal overflows?

 

[Brandon123]

No canisters in any event :mad: in a size tank like this.
The lights might not be the best lights but put some thoughts and homework on that.
Is this tank a RR or do you need to drill and instal overflows?

Thanks. And I would have to drill the tank and install overflows. One issue is I am taking all his fish, rock and other livestock, so I will need to get the tank set back up soon..

 

[Wayward Fortunes]

How much livestock are we talking about?
If you have an lfs you've established a relationship with they may agree to take care of some or all of it and give you credit for the rest. I would never consider a tank that size without proper drilled overflows and a sump. It isn't that hard to do if you can empty the tank first.

 

[Diesel]

^^^ +1 ^^^
Set up a holding tank for fish and inverts.
You might have to reseal thevtank as well now you get it empty.

 

[Brandon123]

How much livestock are we talking about?
If you have an lfs you've established a relationship with they may agree to take care of some or all of it and give you credit for the rest. I would never consider a tank that size without proper drilled overflows and a sump. It isn't that hard to do if you can empty the tank first.

Aprox 15 fish. 4 are large. And several other urchins and other misc. plus a lot of live rock. I will be moving the tank two hours and will have it drained to just above the sand line. I would also hold off on picking it up but he is moving.

 

[Brandon123]

^^^ +1 ^^^
Set up a holding tank for fish and inverts.
You might have to reseal thevtank as well now you get it empty.

How would the fish do in an uncycled tank?

 

[kalare]

I've bit the bullet and setup $1/gallon Petco tanks (they're having this sale in my area right now, if it helps you) on the floor for a month or so until I got my large tanks back up and running after a move. Place them on the floor, throw some powerheads and heaters in there with the existing live rock, and you don't need to worry about them cycling (still test just to be sure). Then, it's always helpful to have backup tanks around, for hospital or Q tank, or whatever. I would not setup that tank with canisters, as it'll be infinitely more difficult to change in the future when already established. Do it right the first time.

Be very careful though, make sure the tank is not tempered on the panel you drill. Usually there's a sticker that tells you it is and not to drill, but it's used, and could have been removed. Do you know the brand of tank, that could help determine if it's tempered or not. If you have no way of knowing, it might be better/safer to use a hang-on-back overflow like a CPR or similar...though drilling is much better and safer.

Good luck

 

[Wayward Fortunes]

How would the fish do in an uncycled tank?

The cycle is mostly about the rock in this case, see the post above mine

 

[Brandon123]

I've bit the bullet and setup $1/gallon Petco tanks (they're having this sale in my area right now, if it helps you) on the floor for a month or so until I got my large tanks back up and running after a move. Place them on the floor, throw some powerheads and heaters in there with the existing live rock, and you don't need to worry about them cycling (still test just to be sure). Then, it's always helpful to have backup tanks around, for hospital or Q tank, or whatever. I would not setup that tank with canisters, as it'll be infinitely more difficult to change in the future when already established. Do it right the first time.

Be very careful though, make sure the tank is not tempered on the panel you drill. Usually there's a sticker that tells you it is and not to drill, but it's used, and could have been removed. Do you know the brand of tank, that could help determine if it's tempered or not. If you have no way of knowing, it might be better/safer to use a hang-on-back overflow like a CPR or similar...though drilling is much better and safer.

Good luck

Thank you for the reply. I am not sure the brand of the tank. He bought it about 4 years ago. I agree I am Leary if the canister filters, but have only had biocubes (no sump) in the past and was hoping to get something already set up with a sump. But this tank came along with tank, rock, lights , livestock, stand for $1,000 so I couldn’t pass it up. I would hate to drill it and shatter the glass. Also I’m worried about having a flood using the HOB style...

 

[kalare]

You can use polarized sunglasses and look at the tank in the sunlight from different angles, you should be able to see broad dark and light lines or a checkerboard pattern if it's tempered.

Usually sides aren't tempered, but you never know. Hopefully either a side or the bottom won't be tempered and you can drill and install and overflow (interior for bottom, ghost/synergy if it's the side)