Moving/Resetting tank

[Patsfan522]

Hey everyone, I am new here but I have had my tank going for almost a year now. I have been battling real bad diatoms/algae as well as bad smell for the entire time and have not been able to get the tank looking good. Parameters have always been great and I only use RODI water with instant ocean salt. I have to move the tank downstairs to my basement, I don't have much in livestock so I figure I might as well just reset so I'm not chasing these problems anymore. I just have a few questions...

• Should I get all new rock, or am I okay to just bleach the ones I have and it should kill any problem causers?
• Any recommendations for cleaning the tank itself? For removing stuck algae and stuff.
• I plan on getting all new sand as well. Any recommendations on a good sand? I used caribsea before

Thanks in advance!

 

[Peace River]

If you have the time and energy to thoroughly clean the rock then that is a viable option. The easiest way that I have found to empty tanks is to use a Sicce Pump Zero to remove the water (once all of the fish, rock, etc. have been removed) and then use a new sponge to remove any residual water. Citric acid solution and powerheads will go a long way to cleaning the tank. Caribsea is a good option.

 

[Jonreefer]

you sure its diatoms and not Dino's
Dinos are a pain to beat and they can cause some bad smells. diatoms shouldnt be making smells

 

[Patsfan522]

you sure its diatoms and not Dino's
Dinos are a pain to beat and they can cause some bad smells. diatoms shouldnt be making smells

Im not totally certain on that. I had thought it might be Dino’s but a couple people said it just looked like diatoms. It has been a massive headache

 

[Jonreefer]

post some photos