Returning to the hobby

[mppd]

Hey all --

I'm returning to the hobby after about 4 years away and need some advice. I had a 55 gallon reef tank that ran for about 9 years that I just couldn't handle any more because of constant moving with my job. So about 4 years ago I got rid of all the livestock and the empty tank and the equipment has been sitting in my Dad's garage ever since. I'm at a point where I'm ready to start back up and I need some advice.

First, any suggestions on cleaning the old equipment? I know not to use household chemicals. But, after it's been sitting around for that long, does it need something more than just water? A weak clorox solution maybe?

My Dad also had two tanks, and he got rid of his a couple of years ago too. He kept a lot of the equipment though, including a "Kent Marine The Maxxima" RO/DI (or is it just RO) system, and a Ebb and Flow sump filter system. Of course he didn't keep any instruction manuals or anything for either of them. Are they worth me getting into working order? I did a brief search on Pet Supplies | Dog & Cat Supplies, Pet Meds | DrsFosterSmith.com Pet Products and couldn't seem to find the filters and other stuff I would need to get them working again. Is there a better site to find that stuff, or are they old enough that it's not worth it? They are probably both over 5 years old, but look to be in good shape.

Finally, I still even have some of the (formerly) live rock that was in my old aquarium. Anyone see any problem with me using a small amount of it as the base as long as I use mostly new, actually "live" rock?

Thanks everyone!

 

[ritter6788]

Vinegar is good to use to clean old equipment. The old live rock will be fine also as long as it is cycled well before use. The RO unit will be fine to use but the filters and membranes will have to be replaced. If it doesn't have a DI with it then I'd look into another unit or adding a DI canister to your unit.

 

[wysiwyg]

ritter nailed it pretty well right on the head. welcome back to the hobby and to r2r would love to see a build thread as you get it all back up and running

 

[revsgirl]

Hi there!! Welcome to R2R, and back to the hobby!! Glad to have ya'!! I am sure you'll find all the help you need right here!! Good luck and happy reefing!! BTW, when you get started, you should do a build thread so we can all follow along!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to R2R!

We appreciate your membership!

Thanks for joining and please make sure and post often!

 

[AsphaltPays]

Welcome back and Welcome to R2R I would go with as stated above I hope to see some updates as your new tank comes together This site is full of great info


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[gmoney243]

I had to clean my very dirty used 180. Just fill with water and enough vinegar to smell it but doesn't take a lot. I used 2g vinegar with 180g of water and let sit for few days in a garage preferably. This will clean and test for leaks. Make sure the silicon on the tanks is sttill good. Siting in a garage the silicon is probably in bad shape on the seams. Its very easy to remove and replace. Welcome back to hobby and r2r

Oh and I would do the same with the dry rock but soak for a week or two then cure it before use.
Also can throw in some lemon juice to help clean and help with vinegar smell

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[Steelerfan747]

Vinegar is good to use to clean old equipment. The old live rock will be fine also as long as it is cycled well before use. The RO unit will be fine to use but the filters and membranes will have to be replaced. If it doesn't have a DI with it then I'd look into another unit or adding a DI canister to your unit.

Nothing else left to say other than this

 

[mppd]

Thanks everyone! You've been very helpful. It is a ro/di unit and I've found replacement filters for that, so I'm good. A couple of more questions.

First, I mentioned in the previous post about the filter sump called "Ebb and Flow." I can't find anything about it online. Is anyone familiar with it?

Also, I was looking into lighting, and I keep seeing stuff about "moonlights." I don't think that's something I was seeing much of when I left 5 years ago. Thoughts on those?

Thanks again.

 

[cdness]

Moonlights are aesthetics only unless you actually have them on a moonlight controller.

With a 55G tank I don't think I'd go through the work of cleaning and re-siliconing. Petco has the $1 per gallon sale going on right now so I'd just go buy a new one and forget the hassle.

Live rock I agree, just let it soak and cure for a good amount of time. Many people start off tanks with all dried rock (myself included) and are perfectly fine so no additional live rock should be needed. If you want to clean off the rock, soak it in a strong vinegar solution in the driveway for 15 - 30 minutes (based on how bad it's still bubbling). It will eat away a layer of rock, but will clear out some of the organics in the rock. Then cycle the rock like normal.