Setting up a (Old) new tank

[badfish03]

Hi all new to MAAST. Cool site in my backyard who would of thunk it.
I am in the planning stages of setting up my old 100 gallon into a reef tank. Probably will be following the GARF directions for their "bulletproof tank" (yea right I'll just find a bigger bullet)to the greatest extent
I am not new to saltwater aquariums but have always had fish only setups in the past. Plan on raising a mixed tank but most everything will need to be on the lower light intensity needs and beginner type list for the first couple of years.

This tank has been sitting in storage for going on eight years now and I need some advice on how I should proceed. I plan on filling the tank and letting it sit for about a week to insure it is not leaking. Should I add anything to the water to help clean dust etc. from the interior?

How can I tell if the glass is tempered? I would like to drill a couple of drain/return holes to make it easier to work with.

I then plan on adding sand for a DSB probably around 200lbs or so to start. Any suggestions on CHEAP locally available sand to use for it since I can't find any southdown or tropical playsand anymore.

This whole thing is going to be done on a shoestring budget with a bunch of DIY projects to keep it going and I am not in a major hurry. So any advice would be appreciated.

I'm sure I will have lots more questions in the future :roll

Robert

[LoneStar]

Should I add anything to the water to help clean dust etc. from the interior?

To clean a tank, you can use a vinegar + water solution. That should be able to clean any dirty areas. That and elbow grease.

How can I tell if the glass is tempered?

Well hopefully there is a tag on the tank (hidden on the trim perhaps) that tells you which brand the tank is. Then is a matter of getting ahold of the manufacturer and see what they say. Otherwise I'm not sure there is a way of determining if the glass is tempered or not.....unless you start drilling and the thing either shatters or just cracks ;)

[RayAllen]

WelCome!! I to have been in and out of the hobby for about 4 years and had FO tank and recently made the jump into reef about 3 weeks ago and it has been fun and exciting. As for your questions. Fill the tank and planned to do a leak prof test if all is well drain and give it a good cleaning with warm water and vinegar and rinse thourghly. With a tank that age i would be confindent that the side panels are not tempered but that a guess. There is normally a sticker on the bottom if not if you know the manufacturer who built it; give them a call. 200lbs is a good sand bed for a 100g, Not sure where to tell you to get the sand but im sure some of the fish peeps on here wilol help you seed it. My advice would not to try to cut to many corners because you will end up being disappointed and buy more expensive equipment later on. Especially a skimmer, probably the most important pice of equipment in a reef the lights. Im running skimmerless on my nano, but have a fuge. With larger tanks thou they are very important. Check the for sale forum often, you will find great deals and post on the wanted thread.

Good Luck; Happy Reefing; And again WELCOME!

[RayAllen]

Oh and take it from me becoming a Charter member has its perks. Getting awesome dicounts and the occasional free coral or prize; not to mention great people.

[Darth-Tater]

Yes we are a group of Awesome people :P but Ray .....did they show you the secret handshake? :innocent Welcome to MAAST Badfish.

[JimD]

A trick I learned about cleaning stubborn stains,,,,.... Use some regular table salt to act as a mild abbrasive on a damp cloth and rub, works great!

[badfish03]

A trick I learned about cleaning stubborn stains,,,,.... Use some regular table salt to act as a mild abbrasive on a damp cloth and rub, works great!

Dont think I have any stains to worry about mainly dust from being in my garage for years but that is a trick i will save for future reference.

Well hopefully there is a tag on the tank (hidden on the trim perhaps) that tells you which brand the tank is. Then is a matter of getting ahold of the manufacturer

None that I can find :sick I got the tank back in the 80's at the fish store that used to be off of Fresno and IH10.

Tater and Ray thanks for the Welcome. Plan on checking out a meeting and joining but cant do it this month it falls on my wifes BDay. Don't think I could explain that one. :blink

[RayAllen]

lol, Smart guy! Im young and married for 3 years, but ive figured out the wife comes first because if shes happy your more likely to get to have a expensive fun hobby.

[badfish03]

lol, Smart guy! Im young and married for 3 years, but ive figured out the wife comes first because if shes happy your more likely to get to have a expensive fun hobby.

Going on 19 years this October but I learned that one real quick. If Mommas not happy NOBODY'S happy!