Someone Gave Me A Tank But I Need Help!!!

Dinkin's Aquatic Gardens
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SilverCityReef said:
A few years ago, I was friends with someone who ended up giving me a whole tank setup to start my own reef tank. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get it started at that time but now I am and I don't remember everything he taught me. I am going to be setting up tank this week hopefully so any info on what's required, what not to do, good equipment to buy, etc. I believe I need 1lb of live rock per gallon of water but I cant remember how much sand, or salt?, I need or what brand heater to use. I will get pictures once I pick up from storage. Any and all info welcomed and appreciated.
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Rock is your filter and a place for fish to hide and corals to sit on while they grow. You can look at the aqua-scaping thread to get some ideas of what you want your tank to look like.

Sand is to cover the bottom of your tank and provide some shelter for sand dwelling things as well as some fish. Online suppliers like Bulk Reef Supply will give you an idea of what size sand is avail. If you have a lot of flow in your tank then very fine sand will blow around. Too coarse and you will have debris fall in between the rubble.

Salt for a reef is mixed to a salinity of 1.025 for most tanks. You will need reef salt and a refractometer to tell if you have mixed it to the right salinity.

A good heater will have a controller to tell it when to turn off and on. Not a dial on top. If you have a larger tank you may want 2 heaters in case 1 fails.

Crabs gave you some good reference material to read and there are videos online that explain how to set up a tank.
Most important is to have fun and dont be afraid to try stuff.
Oh and the golden rule is nothing good happens fast in this hobby
 
Deltec
SilverCityReef said:
Thank you everyone. I know I did a lot of reading on this site back when I got the tank but after 4 years of not using the knowledge, I don't remember anything.
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I read a lot too and cant remember most of what I read. Hopefully you still have a young brain.
 
Deltec
creeper.gif

Welcome to R2R :D
 
@lapin said what has stuck with me since I started back in the hobby. "Nothing good happens quickly". Take your time and do tons of research. Anything that doesnt make sense just ask here. Operators are standing by. Lol JK. Tons of great people here to share their experience free of charge!
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Top Shelf Aquatics
ReefBot Lab, Automated Water Tester
Thank you everyone who has replied since my last comment. I am picking up tank in 5 hours so I will post pictures sometime after that. I believe it is a 55 gallon but not positive, like I said, it has been a while since I have even seen the tank. I am very excited to finally get this project going and am even more happy I signed up for R2R. So many responsive and helpful members and tons of information that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to find. Please check back around 7pm EST time for tank photos.
 
AS
SilverCityReef said:
Thank you everyone who has replied since my last comment. I am picking up tank in 5 hours so I will post pictures sometime after that. I believe it is a 55 gallon but not positive, like I said, it has been a while since I have even seen the tank. I am very excited to finally get this project going and am even more happy I signed up for R2R. So many responsive and helpful members and tons of information that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to find. Please check back around 7pm EST time for tank photos.
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Lots of pics.
 
So, unfortunately the person who was supposed to be storing the setup left it full of water, then area flooded and just about everything is going to need to be replaced. For reference, they have been storing it for at least 3 years. I think the tank is still good, needs a dang good cleaning and to be tested for leaks but I think that's salvageable. I got a photo to give an idea. Its 36x18x17. I'm very unhappy and not sure if I should just save and buy all new setup or try to get what I need and make this one work.

20180930_184028.jpg
 
SilverCityReef said:
So, unfortunately the person who was supposed to be storing the setup left it full of water, then area flooded and just about everything is going to need to be replaced. For reference, they have been storing it for at least 3 years. I think the tank is still good, needs a dang good cleaning and to be tested for leaks but I think that's salvageable. I got a photo to give an idea. Its 36x18x17. I'm very unhappy and not sure if I should just save and buy all new setup or try to get what I need and make this one work.

20180930_184028.jpg
Click to expand...

If it does not leak, should be fine after a serious cleaning
 
Deltec
So here's my first questions. My sisters boyfriend who sets up and maintains aquariums for a living says a regular tank and canister filter is best but the guy who got me into hobby and most people I see on here have similar setup to mine. Which is the better option and why? Also, is it safe to put tank in a basement? I could build larger setup, add dedicated breaker, and more easily mount lighting, plumbing, etc if so. Basement is all concrete, not finished, does not flood and is not extremely humid or smelly like some. TIA
 
I forgot, what am I allowed to clean my tank with? I'm assuming chemicals are out, but would soap and water be okay? Again, THANKS IN ADVANCE.
 
Dinkin's Aquatic Gardens

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%

  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%

  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%

  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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