Used Tank Question

[BriGuy]

I am currently looking at buying a larger tank, and going used this time around. The question I have is, most of the larger tanks out on the used market are fresh water tanks. Since I am not going to use the filter setup or the lighting for that matter, what steps do I need to do to the tank? Just a general clean\wash out and sun dry?

Thanks,
BriGuy

[LoneStar]

Just a general clean\wash out and sun dry?


Pretty much. I would give it a good vinegar/water mix cleaning. Rinse it out pretty good and then after its dry, your ready to go.

[BriGuy]

Thanks that is what I thought, minus the vinegar part.

Thanks,
BriGuy

[LoneStar]

A strong vinegar solution is a great cleaner, especially for old reef tanks since it breaks down all that old salt, calcium and coraline build up. Should work well for cleaning out a fresh water tank as well.

[RayAllen]

Make sure to ask of the tank was treated with copper. Most freshwater tanks at some point have been treated with it and it is not good for a reef tank. Some people think that the silicone can absorb the copper and hold it even after the tank is empty; when filled again it can leach out. A good cleaning with vinegar Id go 50/50 mix of Vinegar and water will do the trick. Ive bought many used tanks and never had any problems.

Also run carbon the first few weeks, this one will help it through the cycle. This also will absorb anything that may be in the water. I run carbon all the time though, just because it helps with water clarity.

[Bill S]

Good point on the copper, Ray. The levels would be very low, but it's still possible.

I have used tanks over 20 years old without problems.

[BriGuy]

Good deal, anyone have thoughts on lighting for it? Right now it just has the standard lid and lights, looking at getting a canopy and pricing out lights, thinking T5's.

Thanks,
BriGuy

[LoneStar]

What size tank is it?

[BriGuy]

Sorry standard 55g, I believe those are 48" long.

Thanks,
BriGuy

[RayAllen]

You could go all out T5s which would be nice or go with 2 150w MHs with t5 actinic supplement. Either way you could keep anthing from Softies to SPS.

[BriGuy]

I guess it depends if I want to spend $300 or $800 on lights alone. Thanks for the information.

Thanks,
BriGuy

[BriGuy]

I guess it all depends on if I want to spend $300 on lights or $800.

Thanks,
BriGuy

[RayAllen]

You can pick up a used 150w MH on here from time to time; ive seen them for $75-$100. So for a pair with new bulbs it would be around $280-320 total. With the t5 actinic support id ad on another $120-150 so around $500. You might be able to get a decent 4ft T5 only unit for under $300. Lighting is not cheap and as you know one of the most important things when it comes to reefing but you can do it cost effectively.

[RayAllen]

You could do something like this. Hellolights.com is a great place to buy lighting.

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1369

Id go with three of these kits which would give you 324watts of T5 and give you several option on bulb kelvin/color.

[RayAllen]

Or better yet what I would do is this one. MH and T5 for a great price.

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1357