Not Quiting

[murph213]

Hello everyone , I had lost my fish while I was on weekend vacation due to a power failure. Although my fish and critters died
I wanted to go back to freshwater.

However my live rock is looking good and I am going to stay in the hobby. I now have a back up power supply.

Now for my question? Do I need to cycle my 55 gallon tank again?
I also want to change my substrate from cc to something better.
Any advice on that too would help.

Thanks ,

Murph

 

[firecrackerbob]

I guess it depends on how much die off you experienced...
Personally, I would allow for some cycle time and now would be a good time to remove your CC and replace it(one you don't like it, two its probably packed with nutrients at this point). I would run carbon, phosphate remover, and polyfilter as well in the mean time. now would be a good time to add a sump as well if you are considering it... continue with regular water changes...

I say all this because I had a pretty bad crash last year on vacation as well. it has taken me almost a year to get my hair algae problem under control as a result... (finally there though!!!)
good luck
Eric