Restarting Reef Tank

[Dan I]

Hi, I have had my 80 gallon reef tank for 2 years. I can truly say that it really only strive for 5 months when I was monitoring daily until I got really busy with work. Now, I mistakenly let it run itself to the ground and I want to go back to its glory day. I have my plan listed below and would like your input or advice.

PROBLEM

• Algae on rocks which I can't get rid of.
• SPS dying, LPS slowly receding.

PLAN

• Remove all fish into 40 breeder.
• Remove SPS, LPS, and clam into 20 long.
• Remove all substrate and rock.
• Scrub entire tank with water and vinegar twice, let it air dry for 2 days.
• 100% new water, rocks, and sand.
• Install new Algae Turf Scrubber, deep clean protein skimmer and equipment.

QUESTIONS

• How long before I re-add corals into tank.
• Should I bath new dry rock in muriatic acid.
• Any advice on to prevent this from happening again.

 

[Sfplaya1]

What kind of algea is it? I believe this could be repaired without having to restart

 

[Dan I]

A mix of turf/GHA, and some brown-red algae. I have scrubbed and scrubbed the rocks with a mixture of Vibrant. In addition, I have used chemi clean and to no success. Corals are beginning to die and I feel like I need a restart and begin with a good ATS for nutrient export, watch my bioload, and monitor my elements.

 

[Bradw18]

Id figure out were the real problem lies. Are rocks leaking phosphates? Be pointless to clean everything re assemble and problem comes back in a few months just a thought. I wouldn't try to dose anything to take care of it something is out of wack.

 

[Dan I]

I have been trying to find out where the problem is coming from. I did add dry rock back in July, which did cause some phosphate leakage. I'll be doing all my test today and will post up the results.