ditritus Buildup

[KurtG]

I acquired a new tank, but it didn't have a protein skimmr (it did, but
it was never cleaned), so now it has a huge build up of ditritus. I can
get the skimmer running, and then vacuum out as much ditritus as I can,
but what else?

No live stock right now. I thought I'd let the live rock cycle and get
things cleaned up and established first.

I was thinking of butterflys or some other non-reef fish for the tank.
I'm undecided at the moment.

--Kurt

[Gill Passman]

KurtG wrote:
>
> I acquired a new tank, but it didn't have a protein skimmr (it did, but
> it was never cleaned), so now it has a huge build up of ditritus. I can
> get the skimmer running, and then vacuum out as much ditritus as I can,
> but what else?
>
> No live stock right now. I thought I'd let the live rock cycle and get
> things cleaned up and established first.
>
> I was thinking of butterflys or some other non-reef fish for the tank.
> I'm undecided at the moment.
>
> --Kurt

Personally if I was going to clean the substrate I would have done it
before adding the Live Rock.....OK I'm still a newbie but at the stage
you are now I would go out and get a clean up crew to clear the mess out
of the substrate or you will be disturbing/killing what has gone in
there already to eat the mess for you......I would suggest gently
lifting either with a net or your fingers what is on the suface if
unslightly....and if you have the protein skimmer up and running
blasting the rest of the stuff into the water column with a turkey
baster.....

Please someone step in if I'm not right.....I'd love to learn better....

Gill

[Peter Pan]

Before you add any live stock, even a clean up crew, make sure your LR has
finished it's cycle. Important that your ammonia levels are ZERO as wella s
your nitites. Once this is accomplished then add the live stock i.e. clean
up crew.
If you're not sure what to get this link is a good place to start:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=420

good luck

"Gill Passman" > wrote in message
...
> KurtG wrote:
> >
> > I acquired a new tank, but it didn't have a protein skimmr (it did, but
> > it was never cleaned), so now it has a huge build up of ditritus. I can
> > get the skimmer running, and then vacuum out as much ditritus as I can,
> > but what else?
> >
> > No live stock right now. I thought I'd let the live rock cycle and get
> > things cleaned up and established first.
> >
> > I was thinking of butterflys or some other non-reef fish for the tank.
> > I'm undecided at the moment.
> >
> > --Kurt
>
> Personally if I was going to clean the substrate I would have done it
> before adding the Live Rock.....OK I'm still a newbie but at the stage
> you are now I would go out and get a clean up crew to clear the mess out
> of the substrate or you will be disturbing/killing what has gone in
> there already to eat the mess for you......I would suggest gently
> lifting either with a net or your fingers what is on the suface if
> unslightly....and if you have the protein skimmer up and running
> blasting the rest of the stuff into the water column with a turkey
> baster.....
>
> Please someone step in if I'm not right.....I'd love to learn better....
>
> Gill