Starting over

I’m in a bit of a pickle. I have been a bad hobbyist. I’ll give the quick story to spare all of the horrid details. Building house - neglected tank moved tank and was very lazy and didn’t set up tank and lost everything. Yes I know I should be banned from hobby.

I have/had a 90 gallon reef with a 20 gallon sump 250w MH my ballast went bad on my 175w MHs last Summer (is 250w too much for a 90?) two VHOs and a Euro Reef Skimmer. I’m thinking of putting a closed loop system in. My LR is in two 30gallon Rubbermaid containers… very nasty! I want to let it cure and start over. Any tips thoughts and yes I’ll take the criticism too. I feel horrible about letting my livestock down.

 

That's harsh. There's a large variety of energy drinks to choose from which may help you gain the energy you need to keep things maintained this time around.

Welcome to 3reef!

 

That stinks, Well hopefully you put the time in this time around and things work out for you.Good luck.

 

it was a pretty well established tank 10+ years..to the point of being self sufficient, I still have a 100 bucks worth of credit at the LFS

 

whats the best way to clean the live rock?

 

Where do I start?
I will begin by first saying that I am sorry to you and your livestock that died as a result of the things that came up in your life!
As for being a bad aquarist and being banned from the hobby...I think you are being too hard on yourself and you should not be characterized as being these.
I believe that the issues and events that came up in your life were too much to chew and stress and an overwhelming state of affairs were a major part in the downfall in your tanks demise.
What needs to be done now is the forgetting of the past and time to move on mentality!
Learn from your mistakes, take these attributes and use them to make you that much better and realize that the setting up of and maintaining of a successful, diverse and beautiful aquarium takes devotion, dedication and a sense of pride. You are dealing with live animals that can work together in a symbiotic environment with the proper knowledge, attitude and care.
It is back to the drawing board for you and what you need to do is seriously think if setting up another aquarium is really what you would like to do.
If so, take the time to do it right and learn from your past mistakes, this time around!
I would do some more reading, spend time here on 3reef asking questions and read some more.
Think about all aspects in creating and sustaining a thriving aquarium in your home. You can do it if you follow certain rules, procedures and techniques.
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor in recreating a beautiful and rewarding aquarium now and in the future!
You are on the right track as the equipment you have thus far is ideal in helping you to create another marine aquarium...now you need to apply these pieces of equipment to your tanks chemistry aviod neglecting your livestock and continue to learn and take pride in this special hobby.
You can do it, just learn and take the time to do it right.
Welcome back!
Be aware of the husbandry and compatibility issues that accompany each living animal you wish to add to your tank and your aquarium will thank you in return!

 

I have seen referencing "nuking" the live rock. what all does that in tale, is it bleaching? and does it sterilize the rock?

 

found it....