restarting a tank?

[monkey4life]

I was given a poorly maintained saltwater tank, and I've done 2 50% water changes and it seems to be helping, however I'm wondering what the feasibility of doing a 100% water change with premixed saltwater from my LFS (I have no RO/DI so I've had to use tap water). My salinity matches theirs now. When I got the tank it was reading 1.019, now its 1.025.

With freshwater I wouldn't hesitate to do it, but saltwater has me a bit concerned.

 

[Cymonous]

I wouldn't use tap water unless you have tested it first. You may be making it worse by using tap water. What sized tank is this?

Doing a 100% water change with good RODI water helps by removing any extra ammonia, nitrites, nitrates or phosphates in existing water column.

Are there any fish in this tank?

 

[Jeff210]

Using tap water will cause issues - either immediately or down the road (I speak from very expensive experience)...RODI only...

 

[gone fishin]

What size is the tank?
Any livestock?

By poorly maintained do you mean high nitrates, lots of algae or cyano, or something else. I would certainly stop using the tap water for changes.

 

[monkey4life]

Sorry, I havnt updated my sig yet.

Biocube 14, recieved with 2 clownfish only.
In the last 12 days I picked a cleanup crew of turbos and margs. Was given a bunch of mushrooms and other corals, as well as a sifter starfish.

Poorly maintained as in no maintenance in over 3 months, tap water to start, and tap water changes if ever. I've done 10 gallons in changes in the 12 days since I've got it, and from the local reef guys our water is clean enough (I know still not RO/DI) for getting this tank back on track.

I'm building a skimmer this weekend, and have updated the filtration with stuff I had laying around (Sponge filter panel in chamber 2 and carbon in a bag to pick up nasties). Plan is to get a bag of purigen, and switch from bioballs to matrix.

 

[monkey4life]

When I got it.

Now.

 

[JordanB8810]

Sounds like you are on the right track. Keep in mind that while you do want to get to the correct water parameters across the board, your livestock will react negatively to fast fluctuations in parameters even if it's in the right direction. That being said I would slow down on the water changes. Maybe 10%, 2/3 times per week.

Can you post all your tank parameters so we can help you better? If you don't have a test kit your LFS should test for free.

 

[reepher315]

If some of the coral is still alive thats a good sign. I agree with what was said above. Go slow on the water changes.