Help?!

Ok so I bought my first tank a used one, that was not set up, just supplies and it had a bunch of sand in the tank, my question is should I use it? I dont know if I should trust it or not, cause I dont know the source! Any comments?

 

Take a look at the sealant - if it looks ok (no gaps, adheres to the glass, etc) then fill it with water & check for leaks. Just because it's used doesn't mean it's a bad tank. Good luck.

 

I see no problem in using it.

Just make sure that the frame is sound, check for cracks not only on the glass sides but also the frame. If all looks OK, fill it up with water and check for leaks. If the tank is sound you can always clean it with a vinegar/water solution, or a bleach/water solution to disinfect it. There's a thread on the forum about this cleaning procedure. I'll see if I can find it, or if someone can chime in before.

Good luck.

 

are you asking about the sand and filters
if so NO dont use the sand
bleach the filters and then soak them in h20 and baking soda for a few days and repeat

 

IMO, I would dump the sand and start over!!! It would be a terrible start to your saltwater tank if the sand was contaminated by medication absorbed by it, or dust, and other pollutants!
If you are going to start out with a new tank...just start of right and this way you don't have to worry about the sand element as their are many other things to address!

 

Sorry that I didnt say, I meant the sand. I decided that I would get rid of it for many reasons, 1) it was like crushed shells which looked really ugly 2) I wanted to get a gobbie and the tank that I saw that had one had very fine sand. 3) It was sitting around for a while and I didnt want to screw up my tank.

 

That was a good decision. You never know what could be wrong with the sand.

 

Thanks!

 

Fine aragonite sand is best IMO for many reasons, especially being aesthetically appealing!

 

personally id just start off with some fresh sand. might as well start things off. and on less thing to be on the back of your mind as yoru starting off your tank. JM2C