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