Tearing down and re-starting reef tank

Justfbilly · May 15, 2017

I have an established 125 gallon reef tank that I have been fighting a rusty brown powder like growth for months. The corals that once looked great and were growing really good now just look OK and not sowing any signs of new growth. I have not added any new fish or corals to the tank that could have introduced anything for almost a year but it just seems that the tank is not healthy as it once was. (if that makes any sense?)

I am going to tear the tank down, clean all the equipment, tank, sump and rocks and then start all over.

Looking for any tips or tricks on the best way to clean the live rock and the equipment to make sure that everything is clean and I wont introduce anything back into the tank when I start it back up.

jsker · May 15, 2017

Clean your equipment with vinegar and live rock with peroxide

prsnlty · May 15, 2017

jsker said:
Clean your equipment with vinegar and live rock with peroxide

+1

cheseenlo · May 15, 2017

if you're want to restart your rock, best is to do it with muriatic acid it, there are plenty of videos online how to do it safely. what will you do with your live stock in the mean time ? sell them and start off new ?

Justfbilly · May 15, 2017

cheseenlo said:
if you're want to restart your rock, best is to do it with muriatic acid it, there are plenty of videos online how to do it safely. what will you do with your live stock in the mean time ? sell them and start off new ?

I have a QT tank that I am going to put the livestock in and a frag tank that I can put my corals in until the DT is ready.

cheseenlo · May 15, 2017

Justfbilly said:
I have a QT tank that I am going to put the livestock in and a frag tank that I can put my corals in until the DT is ready.

if thats the case then muriatic acid away ! the acid will melt anything living on the rock, and please do it outside. you will start off with pretty much brand new rock. have baking soda on hand to neutralize the acid.