Restarting a "dead" tank

[Earl in Texas]

I am re-starting our aquarium that we have had stored in a shed at our new home in Texas for at least 4 years. I'm sure that all the live rock and sand we had stored in 5 gal buckets is "dead rock" by now. What is your recommendations for start up? I am thinking of using a bacteria concentrate like Dr Tim's one and only to jump start things. Thanks in advance!
Earl

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

 

[Earl in Texas]

Hello! New to this forum. I am getting ready to start up our aquarium after a move and 4 years of storage in our shed in Texas. I'm sure the heat and time have killed the live rock and sand packed in 5 gal buckets so I am looking for advice on start up. I have a 105 gal tank and bio-balls in a sump to start up with. Looking to get a canister filter to get it all going. Should I get some bacteria concentrate like Dr Tim's to jump start the rock/sand or is it worth the effort? I am also thinking about Mollies as a start up fish to cycle the system. Thoughts and advice please.

Thanks-
Earl

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[Utubereefer]

Welcome to the club

 

[Utubereefer]

You might want to bleach the rock for a couple days then dry it out and soak in fresh water till bleach smell is gone.

 

[Utubereefer]

If you have a sump why do you need a canister filter? Post pictures
Welcome to the club

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome to R2R, and back to reefing.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Welcome to Reef2Reef! I am against using fish as a way to cycle a tank. I think it's an outdated practice. I would go the live rock/ live sand route or use a bacteria startup such as Dr Tim's One and Only

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Agree I would bleach the rocks before using them again. Also would clean out the sand with tap water extremely well, or else buy new sand.

 

[BonnieB]

Welcome to our R2R family!!

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome Earl, glad you are here!

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome Earl, glad you are here!

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome back!

 

[1112-425XL]

 

[BryanM]

I am re-starting our aquarium that we have had stored in a shed at our new home in Texas for at least 4 years. I'm sure that all the live rock and sand we had stored in 5 gal buckets is "dead rock" by now. What is your recommendations for start up? I am thinking of using a bacteria concentrate like Dr Tim's one and only to jump start things. Thanks in advance!
Earl

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Another vote for bleaching the old rocks first, then starting your fish-less cycle with Dr. Tim's One and Only and his ammonium chloride. Here's some info on bleach curing the old rock:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cont...5xHaCaQ3aisJtr7AeRexv19RT5591-_EaArKaEALw_wcB
Good luck!!