Starting Up An Old Tank

[wolf]

Hey Guys,
First post here. Looks like a great site. Anyway, to my qustion...
Several yaers ago I had a 75 gal reef tank up and running. It ran for probably 3 years perfectly. I moved off to college and had to leave the tank at home. My parents thought they could hanldle the tank but found out quickly that they could not. The tank became overrun with green algea. Soon after, they decided to shut the tank down. It stayed in storage for about four years. I am going to start the tank back up but was wondering if I should do any kind of cleaning to the trickle filter other than wash it out with fresh water? All the pumps seem to work fine and I am going to purchase a new tank and skimmer. Thanks for your help!!
Wolf

 

[broomer5]

Welcome to the board wolf !
Sounds great you getting back into the hobby too.
If I was in your situation, yes I would just clean everything very well with warm water and a new dedicated sponge, try and get that hazy film off it it's there. Then rinse dry and go.
If you haven't already thought about it, I would replace all plastic, vinyl hoses and tubing. They can get sort of brittle after awhile and may split or crack. If you were planning on doing that already - please disregard my mentioning it
Other than that - I have nothing more to add.
Let us know when you start setting this tank up - what timeframe are you talking ??

 

[predator]

I just wanted to welcome you to the board. This is in fact a great board. Plenty of info to obtain as well as give.
Where you from?

 

[wolf]

Thanks for the replys Broomer5 and Predator.
I am going to try to have the tank up and running by summer time. I am finishing off my basement and that is where the commander (the wife) says it has to go. The good thing is that I am going to place the tank by the set of stairs. I am going to use the room under the stairs to put all of my equipment in and run everthing through the wall and into the cabinet. Any suggestion on building a dedicated equipment room?
Predator I am in the Atlanta area.
Wolf

 

[broomer5]

Equipment room - wow sounds nice.
Electric
Fresh Water Source
Sink/Drain
Place to store all the junk
Those are 4 things that I think ya just gotta have in an equipment room.

 

[predator]

Just make sure you have some room to get in and out. I have a friend with a equipment room. And it's cramped. I mean you can't really move to check or clean anything. Whats so bad is that it's the way he arranged the equipment not the size of the room.
I have a ton of friends and family in ATL. Where abouts in ATL you stay??

 

[twicklund]

Also want to welcome you wolf...This board is the best...Very helpful and full of information...
I am jealous of your equip room...I have my tank on my lanai(sp?) and barely have room to get in to view it...

tw

 

[wolf]

Hey Predator, I live in Acworth, GA. It is north west of Atlanta. Where does your family reside?
I see you are from Mobile. Are you an Auburn fan or Alabama?
My room is pretty small, but I think I can get everything in and still have enough room to work. I had not thought of putting in a sink, but I was looking this afternoon and I think I will be able to fit that in also. I'll have to use some type of pump for the drain but I'm sure it can be done.
One other question, will all the salt water harm a septic tank?
Wolf