Setting up used 20g salt water tank

M

miamim3

Registered Member
Dec 14, 2009
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Hi everyone,
I just got a used 20g tank that the previous owner used for salt water fishes. Along with the tank i also got a bottle of "B-Ionic" calcium buffer system" both component 1 (alkalinity) and component 2 (calcium), Biomatrix 12 polyester and 12 carbon replacement filter media for the backpack filter that also came with the tank (but seems to have salt build up at the bottle of the filter which i am not sure how to remove and do not want to damage it), and i also received a "Powerhead for undergravel filters 402" new.

I dont know where to start. I rinsed the tank with tap water once i removed as much sand possible. I want to clean the filter but I am not sure how. I know i need to run the tank for a couple of days before buying salt water fishes for it, which is fine. I know i also need to invest in a heater for the tank and lights for the tank.

I am completely new to this. So my questions are..
How can I clean the backpack filter?
Can i run the backpack filter with regular tap water in the tank just to see if it works fine?
What other steps should i do to prepare the tank for future use?

Your help is greatly appreciated.
Aquiles.

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Im noy saltwater genius but it takes longer than a few days to cycle a tank without having live rock. Others will step in to help you since im better at freshwater
 
Chrisinator said:
Im noy saltwater genius but it takes longer than a few days to cycle a tank without having live rock. Others will step in to help you since im better at freshwater
Click to expand...

A SW tank can be done without LR but I would not suggest it by any means. OP, you are looking at about a month after you get your tank setup before adding stock (slowly). About the only way you can get fish in your tank in a few days is to buy fully cured LR. Even if you were do to this, I would still suggest waiting and frequently testing your water over a 2 week period to ensure you don't have a mini cycle going on.

You can clean your filter by giving it a good vinegar/water bath overnight and it should look good as new. Running the vinegar/water through the pump would probably help with flow as well. Just be sure to rinse it out and run fresh water through it before you use it again. Yes you can use tap water to test the motor on the filter.

I would recommend reading before you go any futher. Research how to cycle the tank. The link Drewhop provided is a good start. I couldn't get the link to work for me but that is a link to a stickey at the top of this forum. Good luck.

That's a sharp little tank BTW!
 
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I'm no expert but i have talked to experts and done my research. I would recommend live rock and maybe liv sand as well as 1-2 months of prep b4 you put fish in. Thats what I'm doing.:thumbsup:
 
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