I ended up having to put off the 75 Gallon Build for several reasons but most of all when I went to get a sump I found on FB Marketplace I found a Red Sea Max 250 for $100.... I felt like that was a pretty decent deal considering all the pumps worked the skimmer pump works and the heater works ( however I am going to replace it ). The lighting however needed help 2 ballast were actually blown apart several of the tombstones were melted, wiring was a mess. Now for the cleanliness of this tank it was a total nightmare.... He told me it had been setting in his yard uncovered for about 2 years. It had snails and all manner of things that had to be cleaned and removed.
As you can see this thing was in horrible condition and it smelled pretty bad as well!!!!!
Mostly clean but the lights are fixed and running waiting on new bulbs.
2 Aqua Blue Special
2 Blue Plus
2 Actinic
All cleaned up ready for Sand and scape!!! I pick up my rock and Sand this afternoon and then begin the process of cycling the tank.
So question is the debate as bad in Saltwater Aquariums as it is in fresh as to use bottled bacteria or the "natural method " ( ghost feed or use shrimp and wait 6-10 weeks )
and which do you feel is best this will be my first venture into saltwater?
Also rock curing I have watched several YouTube videos that have shown several methods from again "Natural " (stick in saltwater for up to 2 months until Phosphates are stable) Bleach cure (10:1 mixture for a week to 10 days then several 24 hour rinses until no detectable chlorine) and I wont even get into the acid cure. What is preferred ? I was leaning more on the side of bleach but I am very open to suggestions ..
As you can see this thing was in horrible condition and it smelled pretty bad as well!!!!!
Mostly clean but the lights are fixed and running waiting on new bulbs.
2 Aqua Blue Special
2 Blue Plus
2 Actinic
All cleaned up ready for Sand and scape!!! I pick up my rock and Sand this afternoon and then begin the process of cycling the tank.
So question is the debate as bad in Saltwater Aquariums as it is in fresh as to use bottled bacteria or the "natural method " ( ghost feed or use shrimp and wait 6-10 weeks )
and which do you feel is best this will be my first venture into saltwater?
Also rock curing I have watched several YouTube videos that have shown several methods from again "Natural " (stick in saltwater for up to 2 months until Phosphates are stable) Bleach cure (10:1 mixture for a week to 10 days then several 24 hour rinses until no detectable chlorine) and I wont even get into the acid cure. What is preferred ? I was leaning more on the side of bleach but I am very open to suggestions ..
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