Reviving a Neglected 40g Breeder

[BetteMidler]

Well over a year since a water change. Simply feed a single Blackcap Basslet some pellets everyday. The neglect started after initial investment, the Nero 3 stopped working. Got a replacement pump & that one failed too. Moved a small pump over from another tank & have let it sit. The sand has to go the Basslet picks it up & dumps it all over the rockwork to include an investment of coral that is all lost. Had a few fish & and I forgot to turn on the heater after a water change & lost them except the basslet. Been sitting since late 2024. Need some motivation to process a plan to clean up everything. All the equipment is the same from the initial build minus the Nero 3. I'm wanted to get a DMP10 or two & then tackle this.

 

[Tahoe61]

Well okay then.

How many gallons?
How do you feel about draining the tank?
Can you make replacement water?

How motivated are you?

 

[BetteMidler]

Well okay then.

How many gallons?
How do you feel about draining the tank?
Can you make replacement water?

How motivated are you?

It's a 40g Breeder & I'm going to drain the tank. It has Aiptasia all over everything, glass, rock, plumbing, etc..
I can have water made in a 35g Rubbermaid & Several 5g buckets.
There is a spare 20g ready to go for the fish & cleanup crew.
I'm afraid of putting more money into it & the Aiptasia returns. I tried Berghia, but they didn't take off.
Plus, I have UV, Canister Filter, & a Refugium (Macro Reactor). I want to get rid of the canister & run a sump with Protein skimmer, but need to get a tank drilled, etc, more $$$. The Refugium took off, but eventually started dying back, I guess that is common for these Macro Reactors. It is definitely going to be some work.

 

[Tahoe61]

Well you have a plan, that's a great start. Definitely labor intensive.

Rather than drill consider a HOB skimmer or filter.

The Aipitasia issue really messes everything up. I would be tempted to put just the rock and live stock, except Dotty Back in a tank or tote with 3 Peppermint Shrimp and not feed the shrimp. Let that sit for two weeks, add flow.
Or buy or aquire other rock.

Replace sand, fill tank with citruc acid or vinegar dilution to remove coraline.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/a-few-questions-about-using-citric-acid-to-clean-your-equipment%E2%80%A6.872378/

 

[BetteMidler]

Progress so far, I took the tank down & used a spare 20g to store the live rock full of Aiptasia. At this point, do I do a citric acid then bleach these rocks? That would be a guaranteed way to get rid of the Aiptasia.