disaster recovery

[mimzy]

we went away for 2 weeks on our honeymoon and despite the best efforts of the people watching our pets for us, my tank crashed and everything died.
it's covered in spiro-worms and horrid smelling algae....
how do i clean this thing out so I can make a clean start?

 

[hot883]

Wow! So sorry to hear that. Congrats. though.
Anyway, I think you will have to start over IMO. Lets hope not, but sounds like it.
Get moreideas, but I think that a total redo is in order starting with scrubbing the LR. Might even have to let it die and use as base rock if it is to bad. Barry

 

[hogcr8]

Real sorry to hear about your loss. I lost everything when a hurricane came through so I know how you feel.....
good luck......

 

[mimzy]

took it down today.... three hour process. the sand was scary; there were massive fireworms in there.... everything was dead. everything. bid old pods just floating around... my poor fish.
there were weird nets of sand particles hanging off the liverocks too... I just dumped everything, it was all so contaminated. I won't be able to get this smell out of my nose for weeks. ugh. I am totaly disheartened. The tank is now down and clean and shiny and disinfected - and I'm going to sell it. I gotta take a break. that was just too much. maybe when we get a bigger place I'll try again.
thanks for all your help, everyone. this is a great community.