I've decided on something drastic

[Len]

I'm going to do a total tear down and re-do of my tank. Ever since the boiling event, some toxin got into the water that is killing corals slowly, and I can't get rid of it no matter how many big water changes. I've decided the only option is to remove all the substrate and rock and water and start over. I don't want any of the toxins (or flatworms) left. I do intend to keep all my equipment, so I'll probably have to dry them all out for a few weeks so no flatworms creep back into the tank.

Any advice from those that have restarted tanks?

Yes, this means it'll be forever before I post pics

 

[Anonymous]

Blimey, that is drastic. I hope it all goes smoothly. Are you going to keep any of the livestock?

 

[Posh]

Newbs

Pew Pew Princess

 

[blackcloudmedia]

Wait, you have a tank? :twisted: I know the most frustrating thing about restarting it is the patience. I just restarted mine (took it down for financial reasons last year) and the coralline is slowly creaping back.

 

[Anonymous]

I can only imagine doing it in a manner very similar to moving a tank.

You boiled your tank? :?

 

[Anonymous]

Had you been posting pictures showing your problems all along, the expert here at RDO might have been able to help you solve your problems.

So you bit yourself in the ass.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

I'm going to do a total tear down and re-do of my tank. Ever since the boiling event, some toxin got into the water that is killing corals slowly, and I can't get rid of it no matter how many big water changes. I've decided the only option is to remove all the substrate and rock and water and start over. I don't want any of the toxins (or flatworms) left. I do intend to keep all my equipment, so I'll probably have to dry them all out for a few weeks so no flatworms creep back into the tank.

Any advice from those that have restarted tanks?

Yes, this means it'll be forever before I post pics

Hope this works.


Best tank ever

my .02

 

[Len]

I'm keeping all my fish, of course. They'll be in a 55g rubbermaid for a few weeks. I really only have two corals worth saving at this point, and I plan to move them out this week (fish a bit later).

 

[Anonymous]

Well, I'd sure dip the remaining corals a couple of times. I hage flatworms :x . Are you keeping the same tank Len or getting another one? Reason I ask is I wonder if the unknown toxin could be in/on the tank seal silicone too.

 

[Len]

I'm keeping the same tank. I can't afford a new tank nor do I want to deal with the headache.. The quantity in the silicone can't add up to much (especially compared to the substrate/rock).

 

[Anonymous]

I'm keeping the same tank. I can't afford a new tank nor do I want to deal with the headache.. The quantity in the silicone can't add up to much (especially compared to the substrate/rock).

I'd bleach the heck out of it and all the equipment, just to be thorough.

 

[Len]

I'm scared about bleach Vinegar is being considered though.

I think removing everything inside and starting fresh will be enough to reduce any toxins to insignificant. Everything started dying slowly after the boiling event, but the rate of decline has increased dramatically in the past month (I haven't done any changes or added anything). I think the tank has just creeped past the tipping point.

 

[Anonymous]

Well, your issues isn't bacterial which is usually why I'll bleach components in a setup to prevent any nasties. I make sure the bleach has no dyes or perfumes, just the old fashioned straight NaClO. I give things a good wash in a 50% solution, rinse thoroughly until I can't smell the bleach, put them in the sun (if possible for a few days) and finally do a last soak/rinse with a good quality dechlorinator additive. I've done "used" sand that way too with no apparent problems.

 

[Ben1]

I see you said you are going to remove everything but are you planning on trying to reuse or just go with completely new rock and sand

I did that at one point a few years ago and it worked to fix my troubles. When I did it I also converted to BB and replaced all my LR with dry live rock. Marcorocks is where I got it but bulkreefsupply sells it to. The idea for me was, no flatworms, no aiptasia, no redbugs, no aefw, no bubble algae etc you get the point. For me it allowed me to get it all clean, but the tank took awhile to get re-established with coralline. I stuck to it for awhile but then I got some clams online and couldnt use my usually soaks on them. I qt'd them for abit and in the tank they went. Well I ended up with a bunch of the things I didnt want but it worked while I stuck to it lol.

Good luck with your rebuild and share pictures of the whole deal dont be so shy! Make a build thread while your at it, no sense in not using your own forum. :lol:

 

[Len]

Everything in the tank will be junked. That means new water (IO mix), new rock (I have considered Marco/BRS, but I don't know if I have the patience, so I'll buy only boxed/transhipped rock that hasn't been "cured" in some local holding tank), and new sand. I might go BB, but I just love the look of sand too much.

I am going to be super paranoid about new additions. Everything will be dipped and qt'ed, and those that can't won't go in my tank. I hate how this hobby has turned into a gamble when it comes to adding stuff

 

[Len]

Two 40g bins bought (one to house fish, one to cure LR). Salt on order.

The reboot is ON!

 

[Anonymous]

Please please please c'mon start a build thread! We promise not to tell anyone-it'll just be 'our little secret' :wink:

 

[Len]

I probably will. I doubt I'll do a tear down thread though since I am in kind of a tight schedule, and I'm sure I don't want to be fiddling with a dSLR around SW while scooping out sand and removing bad rock.

 

[Anonymous]

The starter kits at PetSmart are on sale this month.

 

[Anonymous]

Pure evil Rover...I like it :lol: