S@$t!!!!!

[kerr]

O.k. got moved in to the new house and my tank sat over @ the old house for a while and the person I had looking after the tank I think forgot about it. So with the M.H. set on a light timmer and the water level droped so the pump woulden't well I think you get the jist of it!

my question is to you is what do I do to clean out the mess in the tank so I can get it filled back up with SPS and LPS what can I use to clean and what will no't leave any trace elements when I fill it back up and stock it?
Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[musty baby]

I did not get the gist of it.

I clean my tanks out with water and muriatic acid, most others use vinegar. I'm not sure what you're asking beyond that.

Very sorry to hear about your tank. Happens too often when you leave a non-reefer to watch it for a while. It's nice to have fellow club members who are glad to keep an educated eye on things.

 

[bgreenlee]

That sucks. What Ryan has suggested works as good as anything. From what you are describign though water and elbow grease may take up a lot of it with a little acid to clean up the remaining crap.

Cook your rock since you have such a mess. Don't short cycle the cooking either, saves a ton of headaches later on down the line.

 

[kerr]

are you talking cooking the rock on the stove? and do you bring it to a boiling point? and if so for how long? I think my wife will love this idea! LOL

 

[Tank Razed]

No, don't cook your rock on the stove!
"cooking" is an unfortunately named term for re-conditioning live rock. Do a search for the term here. It doesn't involve adding heat.

 

[bgreenlee]

put it in a tub with a heater and a powerhead. Put a lid on the tub so that it is dark. Change the water weekly, or so. When you do water changes shake the rock under water to remove detritus. Once it quits shedding it is ready to go back in a tank. Usually this take a couple months to fully complete, but when it comes out it will be algae, nitrate, and phosphate free.

 

[Atticus]

Take the rock cooking seriously. I have had my tank up since it crashed during my move 6 months ago and it is still the most algae ridden mess I have ever had.

 

[kerr]

ok thanks! thats what I had started to do