Getting back into the hobby

[space]

Hey guys,

It's been a long time since I have been on here. I am looking at getting my tank back up but need some advice. It's an 11 gal nano, with dry and dead rock/sand in it. I know I need to clean everything off but where do I go from there?

Also, is there one type of salt mix and test kit better than another? I have always bought mine from a sw store but want to start mixing it myself for it to be cheaper to get back in the hobby.

Thanks.

 

[SAZAMA]

wash the rock and sand with rodi water and scrub the tank with vinager get it as clean as possible. I like salifert test kits and brightwell salt but they are very pricey. good luck

 

[Zooid]

I like Salifert kits also.
I use Reef Crystals because I got a good deal on the 200g boxes.
which reminds me.......Rob, are you going to get a pallet anytime soon again? LOL

 

[Cake_Boss]

Personally I'm not convinced in the more expensive salts, brightwells rep fell a few notches because some of their pseudo-science didn't add up, and scrub off all that gunk. I took my tank and fixins to the car wash so I can power blast it. I also took vinegar and non scratch scouring pads. Run the water a minute or two to get the chemicals out of the lines, I ran it until there was no more foam in the ground from the nozzle.

 

[djkms]

Gale if you want a good deal on Reef Crystals then get it where I get it from. 200 gallon boxes are $47.99 and free shipping on order over $99. I order 2 boxes and throw in some random nonsense to hit $99. They do not charge extra shipping fee's for salt.

 

[Zooid]

I normally order 5 boxes or more
Damned larvae and rotifers take a lot of water.....wait till you start culturing phyto hehe

 

[djkms]

The phyto isa cookin! Im doing a split tonight actually.

 

[space]

Anyone heard of Tropic marine salt?

 

[djkms]

Never used it myself but a lot of people rave about it on reef central.

 

[Cake_Boss]

Anyone heard of Tropic marine salt?

This crustytheclown uses it, he loves it. I'm going to try it

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[space]

I will give it a shot. Why vinegar?

 

[Cake_Boss]

I used vinegar to act as a soap, since I didn't trust myself to actually use soap and rinse it all out. I also had zero experience....

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[space]

Thanks for the help guys. I am about to get a lot of water from King Soopers to start cleaning it out tomorrow.

 

[SAZAMA]

I sure one of us would sell you some RODI if you would like, I dont trust the TDS coming out of those grocery store water filterers

 

[space]

Would love it! I used to have a great LFS in New Orleans that I would get everything from but now, still trying to find a place near me. Might use the LFS in Boulder for the time being when I head up there on sales calls.

Anyone near Thornton/Westminster willing to sell some RODI?

 

[othercents]

Elite Reef is off of 88th and Wadsworth and should be closer than going to Boulder. There is also a new store on that side of town, but don't remember the name.

 

[Tajjo]

I'll give you some man, just cone by and drop off your containers. I might just even fill a bin and let you fill up haw ever much you need.

 

[asn-naso]

Anyone heard of Tropic marine salt?

It's the only salt I use. It rocks!!

 

[spstimie]

Vinegar contains acetic acid. It is good for cleaning algae and detritus. Rinses easy and isn't toxic. Can lower pH in a running system and is a viable carbon source for bacteria.

Bleach is good as well, but only to be used on clean up. Mix according to the directions. Soak rock or fill or scrub the tank. Rinse well allow 24 hours for evaporation. I recommend a second rinse and another 24 hours dry time, but have never had any ill effects when I didn't do the second rinse.

 

[space]

I'll give you some man, just cone by and drop off your containers. I might just even fill a bin and let you fill up haw ever much you need.

Thanks Tajjo!