Used tank with used live rock?

[00Barracuda00]

I've found an awesome set up on craigslist that I can't pass up or someone else will definitely snatch it. It's a 125g with all kinds of gear included, along with the rock and sand.

But I don't have my RODI yet or my mixing station all set up. My question is, what kind of damage would I be looking at if I just positioned the tank and filled it with fresh water to keep the rocks from smelling up the house. Or should I keep it dry and leave it on the porch or something while I wait for my testing kits and RODI?

I had planned to buy something brand new, so I could take my time planning things while I saved my pennies. Now that I'm working with a potential ticking clock, I'm a bit concered about the variables.

 

[Brew12]

I've found an awesome set up on craigslist that I can't pass up or someone else will definitely snatch it. It's a 125g with all kinds of gear included, along with the rock and sand.

But I don't have my RODI yet or my mixing station all set up. My question is, what kind of damage would I be looking at if I just positioned the tank and filled it with fresh water to keep the rocks from smelling up the house. Or should I keep it dry and leave it on the porch or something while I wait for my testing kits and RODI?

I had planned to buy something brand new, so I could take my time planning things while I saved my pennies. Now that I'm working with a potential ticking clock, I'm a bit concered about the variables.

That wouldn't be ideal. At the very least you would need to fill it with salt water. Wouldn't have to be RODI but you may want to add a dechlorinator. That will keep the rocks "alive" and you can add a little flow which should help with odors.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Brs can have you an rodi within a few days...

 

[00Barracuda00]

My current plan is to bring some big containers, and literally just try to transport the tank as is. If that's not possible, I can at least store the rock in one of the containers with water from the tank now, and put in a power head to keep things flowing while I wait for an RODI delivery with some salt.

Think it'll work??

 

[WVNed]

If you want to have live rock you have to treat it the same way as any 0ther live marine creature like a fish. Go find a source of cheap RO purified drinking water, mix salt in it and cover the rocks until your stuff comes. I would put it in a trashcan somewhere inside the house with a pump and a heater.

 

[cracker]

Agreed ! Is the tank is up & running now? putting the rock in a dark can like a brute trash can with new water(pop the lid on it) would be a fine way to store the rock while all the other stuff gets worked out. it will get a good cycle & stay alive. You dry it out , it's just old dead rock. I see your in Florida also. this can could sit in the garageee or carport.for the duration.

 

[00Barracuda00]

If you want to have live rock you have to treat it the same way as any 0ther live marine creature like a fish. Go find a source of cheap RO purified drinking water, mix salt in it and cover the rocks until your stuff comes. I would put it in a trashcan somewhere inside the house with a pump and a heater.

Don't even have salt yet.

Agreed ! Is the tank is up & running now? putting the rock in a dark can like a brute trash can with new water would be a fine way to store the rock while all the other stuff gets worked out. it will get a good cycle & stay alive. You dry it out , it's just old dead rock.

The guy I'm buying from has been super helpful. He's the one who pitched the idea of storing them in a big ole barrel until I get everything situated. Shouldn't take more than a couple of days to get the RODI and salt to do a water change. But now I'm wondering if that would be prudent so soon?

 

[Mr. Limpid]

If I were u, Put rock in a 30gal plastic garbage can from any store. Add enough existing water to cover rock add power head heater if needed, feed rock like there are fish in it. Let system set for 72 days. Buy a 20gal tank sponge filter now add to can, use this to for your QT system. Good Luck welcome to the addiction.

 

[Neoalchemist]

Home Depot has black plastic 37 gallon containers with locking lids for like 25 bucks put your live rock in one of those with fresh salt and a heater and power head. The rock will not only be fine for as long as needed but you can also take the time to examine it more closely and see if the rock needs to be treated for any pest algae or aptaisia. keep it in the dark, warm ,and aerated.
More importantly, I would scrutinize the used tank stand and equipment. I've had a bad experience on a similar deal lately and found that after closer inspection I got almost nothing for my money. If the tank is still running this can be very difficult. Closely inspect the condition of the tank for scratches,(BAD SCRATCHES WILL RUIN YOUR EXPERIENCE EVERY TIME YOU LOOK AT THE TANK), cracked or broken frames and bad silicone. Test and look over all the equipment. Examine the lighting for any signs it may have taken a swim. Inspect the craftsmanship of the plumbing (even if you wont be using it it can tell you a lot about the care with which the system was initially set up and how a person treated their stuff. Maybe most importantly, check the stand over thoroughly. There's nothing worse than lying awake at night with collapsing stand scenarios running through your head. I once acquired a stand that when moved from its place left a pile of wood strips which at first appeared to be used for leveling,(it actually turned out to be pieces of the stands base that had rotted to the point of falling off). The system was not planned properly and would flood every time the main pump was shut down. Rather than correct the problem the previous owner just stuck a plastic bin under the sump, but there was evidence that there were leaks that were never addressed all over the plumbing.
All of this flooding and continual exposure to salt water left a stand that needed to be completely rebuilt. Tanks are a dime a dozen But good stands are expensive and arguably the most important part of a system.
The valuable things are, Live Rock, Stand, Lighting, proper Sump you can work with, Skimmer and Glass. Issues with any of these are a deal breaker for me.

 

[cracker]

tell us about the tank & gear?

 

[00Barracuda00]

Home Depot has black plastic 37 gallon containers with locking lids for like 25 bucks put your live rock in one of those with fresh salt and a heater and power head. The rock will not only be fine for as long as needed but you can also take the time to examine it more closely and see if the rock needs to be treated for any pest algae or aptaisia. keep it in the dark, warm ,and aerated.
More importantly, I would scrutinize the used tank stand and equipment. I've had a bad experience on a similar deal lately and found that after closer inspection I got almost nothing for my money. If the tank is still running this can be very difficult. Closely inspect the condition of the tank for scratches,(BAD SCRATCHES WILL RUIN YOUR EXPERIENCE EVERY TIME YOU LOOK AT THE TANK), cracked or broken frames and bad silicone. Test and look over all the equipment. Examine the lighting for any signs it may have taken a swim. Inspect the craftsmanship of the plumbing (even if you wont be using it it can tell you a lot about the care with which the system was initially set up and how a person treated their stuff. Maybe most importantly, check the stand over thoroughly. There's nothing worse than lying awake at night with collapsing stand scenarios running through your head. I once acquired a stand that when moved from its place left a pile of wood strips which at first appeared to be used for leveling,(it actually turned out to be pieces of the stands base that had rotted to the point of falling off). The system was not planned properly and would flood every time the main pump was shut down. Rather than correct the problem the previous owner just stuck a plastic bin under the sump, but there was evidence that there were leaks that were never addressed all over the plumbing.
All of this flooding and continual exposure to salt water left a stand that needed to be completely rebuilt. Tanks are a dime a dozen But good stands are expensive and arguably the most important part of a system.
The valuable things are, Live Rock, Stand, Lighting, proper Sump you can work with, Skimmer and Glass. Issues with any of these are a deal breaker for me.

Thanks for the advice. From the pictures, the tank I want to purchase looks too good to be true. So automatically, you know what that means right?

For what it's worth, I'm going to really look at things closely. My first concern is the sump size. From the pictures posted, I don't know if it can hold the overflow from the 125g DT. I'm hoping to go take a look at it tomorrow, to know for sure.

 

[00Barracuda00]

tell us about the tank & gear?

Yeah, I guess that'd help wouldn't it!

With my luck, someone will poach this from me now. =)

As a complete newbie, this looks almost too good to be true. Sure the gear might be a bit worn, but it looks to be in good shape. The guy was also incredibly helpful on the phone with all of my questions. He was very friendly and I got the impression that I could come to him for advice in the future (you reefing types can be alright sometimes.)

Anyhoo, here's what I'm looking at.

Interior

Side on.

From the ad:
125 tank stand canopy. Turn key set up. Everything you need except fish.
Eshopps sump
Octo 150 skimmer
Gfo reactor
Ato system
T5 and led lights
5 hydor power heads
All rock and sand included
Left over corals included



He mentioned that the only things left were 1 or 2 GSPs and a Leather.

 

[Mr. Limpid]

Yah, you defiantly do not want that rock to dry off, it looks great, nice coraline algae on it.

 

[WVNed]

Do what the old owner says. Sounds like he is steering you in the right direction.

Very nice find.

I usually do a 50% water change after trading up or replacing stuff into a empty tank just to get rid of some of the stuff stirred up.

Some of that is going to depend on stuff like if you remove or reuse the old sand and how it has been maintained.

Basically you bring it up and do what the water tests tell you you have to.

Remember to match the old water params at first with new water, SG and PH as well as you can. A lot of tanks for sale have been let go and everything is out of balance..
I think you will be fine.

 

[00Barracuda00]

Do what the old owner says. Sounds like he is steering you in the right direction.

Very nice find.

I usually do a 50% water change after trading up or replacing stuff into a empty tank just to get rid of some of the stuff stirred up.

Some of that is going to depend on stuff like if you remove or reuse the old sand and how it has been maintained.

Basically you bring it up and do what the water tests tell you you have to.

Remember to match the old water params at first with new water, SG and PH as well as you can. A lot of tanks for sale have been let go and everything is out of balance..
I think you will be fine.

That's a good idea. I would have overlooked the other parameters for sure. My main concern was going to be matching salinity, or trying to change it gradually if it was outside my liking. I hadn't thought about testing for other issues. ....although now that I said that out loud I feel stupid.

 

[cracker]

That is good looking rock! I expected it all algae covered . You could consider washing the sand real good. Also You can't match parameters after a move it will take some time. Best way to see how much will back flow is the unplug the return of course . The water level in the sump is low so there could very well be enough to handle all back flow.
Tank looks real good overall. The equipment sounds quality as well.

 

[00Barracuda00]

That is good looking rock! I expected it all algae covered . You could consider washing the sand real good. Also You can't match parameters after a move it will take some time. Best way to see how much will back flow is the unplug the return of course . The water level in the sump is low so there could very well be enough to handle all back flow.
Tank looks real good overall. The equipment sounds quality as well.

Since I'm doing a partial take down to move it (if I get it) do you think circulating the sand around a bit when I add water will be enough, or I should use something akin to a siphon to clean the sand bed after it setlles?

 

[cracker]

I personally would wash it out with a garden hose & 5 gl bucket. a little at a time to rinse out all the cloudy detritus .there's not any livestock the few soft corals are real tough & could handle a small cycle. Just my OP though.

 

[Neoalchemist]

I would not attempt to move that tank with anything in it. A tank that size will already likely be heavyer than you think also very difficult to manuver once it gets in the air. Bring lots of help.

 

[00Barracuda00]

I would not attempt to move that tank with anything in it. A tank that size will already likely be heavyer than you think also very difficult to manuver once it gets in the air. Bring lots of help.

I should clarify. I'm planning on removing everything within the tanks, and placing them in barrels with the tank water. I'll be moving everything in pieces.

Still expect it to be super heavy though.