Just got a new tank

aedeos

aedeos

Member
I recently bought a 67 gallon tank with two skimmers, two heaters, two filters, and a whole slew of other things. I've never had a tank before, so I'm rather new to the concept. I have a huge thing of salt, but it's a few years old. Is it still good to use? I also have about 40 pounds of old live rock that's dried out. Is it useless, or can it still be reanimated? Or can I at least use it for decoration? If so, should I do something to clean it or acclimate it first?
One of the largest problems I think I'll find at first is the cleanliness of the tank. It's gotten dusty and has salt stains. What's the best way to clean it without leaving residue?
Finally, once I get it all set up and working, what would be a good cheap, easy set up for animals? I kind of want an eel, but don't have my heart set on anything except something that fits my college budget, looks good, and won't die on me the first second I mess something up.
Thanks for all your help.
 
sflasurfer

sflasurfer

Member
Congrtulations and welcome. I am a newbie at this also So I will tell you what I was told. First keep doing what you are doing. Research research reswarch. I would not set up anything to you are sure what you want to keep in your tank. Some tanks do not require what others do and since you are on a budget it will pay off in the long run. I beleave eels dont need a lot of live rock. So l/r would be a costly item you may not need. Ask a lot of questions this message board is a wealth of knowledge. Read the other areas like "aggresive" or "reef" and also ask your questions there. Don't limit yourself to one category upon your initial research. Post pictures if possible down the road with any questions this allows other people to learn who may not know the technical names. And most of all GOOD LUCK
 
sfoister

sfoister

Member
Originally Posted by aedeos
I recently bought a 67 gallon tank with two skimmers, two heaters, two filters, and a whole slew of other things. I've never had a tank before, so I'm rather new to the concept. I have a huge thing of salt, but it's a few years old. Is it still good to use? I also have about 40 pounds of old live rock that's dried out. Is it useless, or can it still be reanimated? Or can I at least use it for decoration? If so, should I do something to clean it or acclimate it first?
One of the largest problems I think I'll find at first is the cleanliness of the tank. It's gotten dusty and has salt stains. What's the best way to clean it without leaving residue?
Finally, once I get it all set up and working, what would be a good cheap, easy set up for animals? I kind of want an eel, but don't have my heart set on anything except something that fits my college budget, looks good, and won't die on me the first second I mess something up.
Thanks for all your help.

First, you don't need to use both skimmers, that's overkill. And two heaters is unnecessary unless they are too low of a voltage for the tank. Your salt should be fine, but there are many different types of salt and if you want to do a reef you are likely going to want to purchase salt with calcium additives already mixed in.
Your rock should be fine also, I would just rinse it with tap water to get any dust and debris off of it then let it dry thoroughly.
The easiest way to clean your tank if it's dusty and nasty inside is to wet a cloth with regular tap water and wipe it down to remove any dirt or dust. Then use a papertowel and white vinegar to wipe it all down. The vinegar acts like alcohol, removing hard water stains and oils in the tank but leaving no residue of it's own. Beware, this ---- is strong and will burn your nose hairs. :)
Reasearch FOWLR setups. Fish only with live rock. Your tank isn't huge so your limited to what you can put in there. Just no tangs unless you feel like fishing them out when they get too big.
 
aedeos

aedeos

Member
Thanks for the help. I think the tank set up I want now will be eel and maybe two small fish. Nothing intense. There's a chance I'll get some coral, but I'd need to see how good I can get circulation going first. I'll probably set up salts based on reef growth regardless--it's just easier that way. I won't be receiving the tank until tuesday most likely. It's a glass tank. If it has a leak, is there any way to seal it well, or am I just up a creek? Thanks for all the help. This message board is really solid.
 
prk543

prk543

Member
Originally Posted by aedeos
Finally, once I get it all set up and working, what would be a good cheap, easy set up for animals? I kind of want an eel, but don't have my heart set on anything except something that fits my college budget, looks good, and won't die on me the first second I mess something up.
Thanks for all your help.
Well Saltwater fish is doable on a college budget. I would reccamend a Snowflake eel, they are pretty hardy and mine seems to have a good personality and disposition.
Since you are in college, are you living at home, in a dorm, or in an apartment off campus? I only ask because a 67 gal tank will take up a bit of space in a dorm room, not to mention some schools limit fish tank sizes, and having to move it in at the begining of the year and out at the end. If you are living in an off campus apartment, you probably won't be moving as much and most apartment complexes don't care about fish tanks. If your going to live at home, your golden... jump right in with both feet and don't look back.
Good luck, everyone will be here to help you out if you need it.
-prk543
 
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