Starting Over

MarkSativa · Oct 5, 2012

After getting a bad case of cyanobacteria after my Dad passed and a divorce this year. I think this tank has been neglected enough..

So Im ready to shut it down. It really hurts to start over cause of all the time I have spent looking into this cube. When I started in this hobby My son was 4 years old and my daughter wasn't even born yet. They are now 12 and 8.

Anyways Im shutting it down for now. Im moving into a new place with a big empty basement and lots of opportunity.

So I do have a question about the tank. How long should I let it dry out for, if at all? Also should I attempt to save the rock our should I buy new.. Remember there is algea and Cyano all over it, because it is still set up at the X's house where I cant get to it when I need to clean and maintain..

I did see this the other day and it sounds cool. Has anyone tried any rock like this??
Marco Rocks Smart Start Live takes the pests outta live rock

Jake1 · Oct 5, 2012

I would start with new rock. I got dry rock from brs and love it!

SeahorseKeeper · Oct 5, 2012

You can dry out the rock and reuse it in the new setup. I love using dry rock!!! I like that it is pest free. There is a downside of not getting the neat hitchhikers. Good luck with the new start!!

ddinox64 · Oct 6, 2012

Me, myself, and I would just rince it off. Set it up and when(if/when) it comes back. Use Ultral Life red slime remover. If you use a skimmer shut it down for a day or so.

MarkSativa · Oct 8, 2012

the algae has got into my overflow and it just seems that no matter what I do. it want go away. I have used the red slime remover and it works for a little while.. I have all kinds of different algae growing now. With it having to be moved anyway Im thinking now is the perfect time to start over..

Has anyone ever cured there own rock?? If I was to buy rock from BRS how much would I get for a 90 gallon??

mcarroll · Oct 8, 2012

Probably the sand bed is toast many times over at this point and driving all that algae.

During the move, if you simply throw out the sand and start over with either no sand bed (my preference) or a new sand bed at the new location.

Also, do a nice fat water change in the process (saving some water is a good idea if you're transferring any livestock) and use the "throw away" water to thoroughly scrub off all your rock that needs it. Your rock should return to balance in the new tank, just let it cycle - in the dark if possible - like you would any new tank.

Good luck with the Reboot!

-Matt