Rebooting (semi) neglected tank

[joshola]

I've read a couple similar threads, but my circumstances are a tad different. I have a tank that's been running, albeit with nothing but live rock, for about three years now. It's a 37-gal column tank that had been healthy for maybe six years before that, with mainly just a couple fish, shrooms, etc. After the final fish died, took a break from adding anything, water change routine, etc. But, I've kept everything running in terms of filters, powerhead, temperature, and even lighting (only for awhile; now there's just some dim light from a window). I've been topping off with freshwater every week or so, and I also throw in a cube of frozen fish food every two to three weeks"”I guess the idea has been to allow me to restart not entirely from scratch.

My question is, how do I know whether my live rock is "œlive" and to what extent I need to cycle or add new rock now that i'm ready to reboot. Have I been cycling all along? The rock and tank are essentially clean with no visible algae (or worms, critters) at this point. I haven't done a water test, other than salinity which is low

 

[JUNBUG361]

if the tank has been running with saltwater & live rocks. the rocks should be live/cure still. adjust your salinity reading. what are your water parameters?

 

[joshola]

Thanks. I’m picking up a new test kit today, so i’ll post the parameters.

 

[joshola]

Tested the water and everything’s at or near zero (ammonia, nitrite, phosphate), except nitrates, which are totally spiked. Salinity is down to 1.018. I guess I should start with some big water changes.

 

[Betaktical]

Tested the water and everything's at or near zero (ammonia, nitrite, phosphate), except nitrates, which are totally spiked. Salinity is down to 1.018. I guess I should start with some big water changes.

Sounds like a good plan. Obviously haven't the tank for so long you are patient but remember take it slow. Just do some water changes and slow dosing to get back to par. You don't have any fish snails or crabs etc in the tank at the moment?

 

[SRQreef3r]

Water changes will be your best bet, get salinity in check too

 

[christmascoral]

i would do a water change to bring the parameters back in line. the ph is probably low. same with other levels like cal/mag/alk. all your live rock should be very much alive. after the water change the tank should be ready for new additions of fish and corals. good luck.

 

[nereefpat]

If it's possible, just do a 100% (or as close as you can get to it) water change and be done with it.

 

[joshola]

Thanks for all the replies. I’ll focus on getting the mechanical filtration and all other equipment cleaned and in order, then shoot for a a full water change. I’ll be sure to post pics once it’s back in action.