Hello everyone. I have been in the freshwater world for a while, but I have finally decide to start a reef tank. I already have the tank I'm going to use a 60 g with a wet dry sump. I got this tank used for a good price and bbqbit came with the sand and rocks from the previous owners set up. Are these rocks and sand safe to use in my tank they have been dry for at least a month and with probably be another month before i use them. Also is there a way to set us a refugium in the wet dry ?
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Ruben's Reef
Ruben's Reef
!!! Welcome to R2R !!!
BestMomEver
2500 Club Member
Welcome to the reef! Put the rocks in a buck of new salt water with a power head and let them cook. Toss a bottle of Dr. Tim’s live bacteria in there. It won’t take but 6-8 weeks and they’ll be ready.
saintsreturn
Well-Known Member
Welcome to the site and the addiction!
Rinse the sand and use it. Take the rocks, get them wet in new saltwater and add a power head. Would not be a bad idea to throw in some bacteria startup to help kick off the cycle. You do not (imo) want to put the rock in your tank as is as the die off as it soaks will be a challenge in the display. While the rock is in the buckets soaking, wait a few days and then test the water for high nitrates. When you are ready, do some water changes every week to help pull out the gunk in the tubs.
I would ditch the filter and go with a sump. If you have the capability, the sump will offer better options for you down the road.
Rinse the sand and use it. Take the rocks, get them wet in new saltwater and add a power head. Would not be a bad idea to throw in some bacteria startup to help kick off the cycle. You do not (imo) want to put the rock in your tank as is as the die off as it soaks will be a challenge in the display. While the rock is in the buckets soaking, wait a few days and then test the water for high nitrates. When you are ready, do some water changes every week to help pull out the gunk in the tubs.
I would ditch the filter and go with a sump. If you have the capability, the sump will offer better options for you down the road.
Mike.P
Well-Known Member
Welcome aboard! You should be good to go, just make sure to rinse the sand, as others have said... I would give it a soak in a bucket with some 10:1 water to bleach solution as well for 24 hours, then hit it with chlorine neutralizer, and give it a good rinse.
That's probably overkill, but you can never be to careful; plus it'll make the sand look nice and clean. =P
That's probably overkill, but you can never be to careful; plus it'll make the sand look nice and clean. =P
Mike.P
Well-Known Member
You could get away with it, it'll just be a bit of a pain space-wise. Get the biggest tank you can fit in the cabinet or stand... If you jump on craigslist, I'm sure you'll find a ton of 20-30 gallon tanks that people are practically giving away.
saintsreturn
Well-Known Member
I agree with the above. Petco is currently doing their $1 per gallon (so i was told). I would go larger if you can because at some point you will want to add a skimmer and that will eat up a lot of space. Plus your heater(s) will go inside the sump and you want enough room to lay one large enough for the tank in it. Plus top off lines and maybe even a refugium.
You can make a 10g work and you will accomplish some of your goals with it. But for $30 or so, i would just upgrade now and do it all right so you can sit back enjoy that much earlier.
Mike.P
Well-Known Member
Absolutely. If they're doing their $1 per gallon thing, jump on that. As you grow your system, you'll appreciate having the extra space, trust me.
Reefo25
Community Member
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Ok thanks guys. Yes I plan on putting a refugium and skimmer in. The tank tank came with a skimmer but i haven't had a chance to see if it works. The tank was so cheap it was a good deal even if the skimmer doesn't work so i wasn't worried about it when I bought it.
Mike.P
Well-Known Member
Just take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask for help... You'll love it.
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