New Re-used setup..

[Robert04]

I recieved a tank today 90g with a 30g sump.. I am in the process of cleaning things up... a high potential setup but kind of in a mess

The tank besides dirty is great.. the stand is really rusty, I was sanding it when I got home from work today.. It is actualy pretty rough, I will build a new one if nessicary this one really isnt very impressive

The plumbing needs to be cleaned up abit.. What kind of precautions should I take, Should I use tape or silicone(both?) for the threads?

They didnt really know the specs on the stuff and once I have everything cleaned up and I figure out what they are I will post more information. I got alot of beautifle live rock etc.. I need to cycle this tank.. I was wondering what would be a safe way to speed up my tanks cycle besides adding the ammonia, probably get enough from all the die off... Could I add sand and a piece of live rock from my 15g? and how long into the cycle would I add them. The only current is from the sump(surface only..) which I don't think is enough at all.. Maybe 2 korallia 3-4? and maybe some smaller ones to keep the current moving in the rocks..

How often and how big of a water change should be done on this tank.. I understand it can depend on stock and how big of a change you do. My aunt who gave me this tank was informed to only do a 20% water change once a month.. I usualy do a 20% change a week but I have a small tank so what is a good schedule for cleaning.

:headbang2:

 

[Ace25]

I promise I will respond to your email.

As for the questions...

1. Use thread tape or putty on the threads, not silicone. If you are talking about on the bulkheads it is best to replace them now. They are cheap and definately something you want to make sure is good.

2. I like the "raw shrimp" method for cycling myself. Get a piece of shrimp from your grocery store, put it in a zip lock bag with holes cut in it and clip it with a seaweed clip to the glass in the tank. usually takes about 5 days to get a good ammonia spike, then you take out the shrimp and let nature take its course. IMO I would put the live rock in when you setup for cycling as well as the sand. I would definately wait a good 30 days to let it really cycle and build up a good bacteria population before adding anything. Adding a cup of sand from your 15g is a great way to "seed" the sand and get it going.

3. A koralia 3 and 4 sound about right for a 90G, maybe just 2 3's and a small one in the back like you said.

4. It really depends on your nitrate tests for the most part to tell you when and how big of a water change to do. Still, 10% a week, or 10G for your tank, would probably be a good number and easy enough to do.

 

[Robert04]

Thanks, Just got back from mosport for the superbike racing.. I will be back at it tomorrow though and hopefully post some pictures of the equipment I recieved.