setting up a used sw tank

[raedwards]

Hello...i am very new to doing aquariums the right way, i have just bought a used 35 GAL SW tank. i have read a lot of threads and a lot of dif. articles on setting up a SW tank, but i cant seem to find out any thing about "Restarting a used tank.
the tank was drained to about 1" or 2" of water and most of the substrate is in a 5 gal bucket. the questions that i have are
1. the substrate is very dirty and has a lot of algae, i was told that it was live rocks, but it just looks like crushed rock...so i am not sure what it is. i just want know how to clean it ???
2. the tank is also layered with the algae, can i scrape it off or do i need to do something else ???
this tank is 20+/- yrs old and the last year it was runing with nothing in it. i have the entire tank,stand and all of the assy. for this aquarium.
3. all of the coral, and rocks are in a box and they are also covered in algae...can these be cleaned up or is this a no no ???
4. how much time do i have to get everythink back running again ???
this is my very first SW aquarium so i dont have a clue and everything i have been reading does not help me...so any help you all can give me, i will be greatfull Thanks again this is a great site. raedwards

[returnofsid]

Hi there and welcome to Saltwater!!!

I would suggest a few different things....

#1. Toss the substrate and start over with dry, aragonite sand. Toss that undergravel filter.
#2. Fill the tank up with freshwater, and dump a gallon of white vinegar in it. Let it sit for a couple of days. This will soften up the Coralline Algae, making it much easier to remove.
#3. Clean the tank very well with Freshwater and about a 1/2 cup of bleach. Afterwards, rinse very well.
#4. The "live rock" and dead corals are most likely dead rock now, so you're safe to clean it up. Clean with freshwater/bleach solution. Use a toothbrush to scrub all the algae off of them.
#5. Obtain some more quality live rock. I'd recommend about 1 1/2 pounds per gallon. Unfortunately, this is one of the most expensive parts of keeping a reef tank.
#6. Assemble the tank, place the base rock and then the dry aragonite sand. Build up your rockwork.
#7. Add the rest of the live rock and aquascape so that all the rockwork is stable, yet still allows room for flow between rocks and such.

The reason I suggested you toss the undergravel filter is:

With saltwater aquariums, the majority of your filtration is done naturally, through your "live rock." The remaining portion of filtration will be done with the use of a Protein Skimmer. Other filtration equipment will eventually become a nitrate factory, causing lots of problems.


At this point, fill the tank up with Saltwater, install your powerheads, heater, skimmer etc. Now the waiting game begins. Your tank is going to experience a cycle, that could take anywhere from a couple of weeks, to a couple of months. You'll need to get quality test kits for Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates. Regularly testing will help you follow your cycle.

Patience is one of the most important virtues in life, and is even more important when setting up a reef tank. While the tank is cycling, you can do lots of reading, studying and learning. Take the time to figure out what type of tank you'll want. Will you just want fish? Fish and Inverts? Corals? Clams? Anemones? All of these questions will dictate some of your equipment needs, such as a protein skimmer and the type of lighting you'll need. Learn as much about all of the inhabitants you'll want...BEFORE making any purchases.