I had a FOWLR tank that died when Hurricane Sandy knocked out the power for 2 weeks. Tank has been dormant for 6 years. Just a box of water, sand, and rocks. I want to start her up again.
First question, I am painting the house and I would like to paint behind the tank if possible. It's a 125, 6 feet long, on a wood cabinet stand. Is it possible to drain most of the water and slide the whole thing out a few inches?
Should I keep the rocks wet? They have been just sitting there for 6 years with no light, heat, or circulation, so I assume they're no longer live. Does it matter at this point if they go dry? What about the sand? Should I just ditch all the water and start new? Ditch everything and start new?
What should I do with the pumps and skimmer?
Once I'm ready, do I just refill the water, add back the rocks (if removed), turn everything on and wait for the cycle, or will I need to do something else to start the cycle?
Any other advice or anything else I need to know?
First question, I am painting the house and I would like to paint behind the tank if possible. It's a 125, 6 feet long, on a wood cabinet stand. Is it possible to drain most of the water and slide the whole thing out a few inches?
Should I keep the rocks wet? They have been just sitting there for 6 years with no light, heat, or circulation, so I assume they're no longer live. Does it matter at this point if they go dry? What about the sand? Should I just ditch all the water and start new? Ditch everything and start new?
What should I do with the pumps and skimmer?
Once I'm ready, do I just refill the water, add back the rocks (if removed), turn everything on and wait for the cycle, or will I need to do something else to start the cycle?
Any other advice or anything else I need to know?
