Back into the hobby!!!

nomadicreefer · Feb 3, 2026

Hi all!

Went to the LFS and got a deal on a 140g tank with sump, plumbing, return pump, stand, canopy. With delivery paid $750.

I went ahead and cleaned the entire thing with water and distilled white vinegar, with the correct. Ratio. I’m looking for thoughts on the tank and any tips or tricks while getting started. I haven’t bought lights, heaters or skimmer as I have to cycle. This far I have 87lbs of dry live rock on the way, 75lbs live sand and a wave maker.

Only *flaw* I see is a few tiny tiny pieces of silicon on the EXTERIOR seam by the front. Everything interior looks and feels good with no big chips. The back has some missing paint along the bottom. Gimme your thoughts!

Subsea · Feb 3, 2026

nomadicreefer said:
Hi all!

Went to the LFS and got a deal on a 140g tank with sump, plumbing, return pump, stand, canopy. With delivery paid $750.

I went ahead and cleaned the entire thing with water and distilled white vinegar, with the correct. Ratio. I’m looking for thoughts on the tank and any tips or tricks while getting started. I haven’t bought lights, heaters or skimmer as I have to cycle. This far I have 87lbs of dry live rock on the way, 75lbs live sand and a wave maker.

Only *flaw* I see is a few tiny tiny pieces of silicon on the EXTERIOR seam by the front. Everything interior looks and feels good with no big chips. The back has some missing paint along the bottom. Gimme your thoughts!

“This far I have 87lbs of dry live rock on the way, 75lbs live sand”

My tips to you relate to your biofilter or lack off. There is no such thing as dry live rock. It’s dry rock. I also suspect that your sand is damp aroggonite.

Consider inoculating your system with real diver collected live rock & live sand:

Gulf Live Rock.com

gulfliverock.com

Gulf Live Rock.com

gulfliverock.com

Gulf Live Rock.com

gulfliverock.com

Gulf Live Rock.com

gulfliverock.com

OR: The Package

The Package - ships Air Cargo

Tampa Bay Saltwater sustainably farms ocean aquacultured live rock and hand harvested sand. TBS Live Rock provides beneficial microorganisms, creates a less stressful environment for inhabitants and provides natural biofiltration by the lifeforms found in and on it. Healthy live rock, from our...

tbsaltwater.com

JumboShrimp · Feb 3, 2026

Looks like that tank will clean up nicely. You can make a paste from water and Bar Keeper's Friend (Walmart, Amazon, etc.), and scrub with a rag. Rinse thoroughly.