To buy or not to buy.

What was it that killed the coral? High nitrates and Phos?

IMHO- while probalby a good deal, still sounds kinda high$ for the work invovled however you rid the GHA, etc.

If it had coral and no problems? It is used equipment

 

he told me that neglect and lack of care. evidently he has gotten engaged and spends all of his time at his girls house. he just basically stopped doing tank maintenance which is such a shame! but im thinking I will be getting a great system tho!

 

Frankly if I were in your shoes I'd ditch all the sand (get new), blast the rock (effectively starting over with it) and cycle as a new tank. Seed the existing rock with a few new pieces and go from there.

 

What I said was:

Algae is nature's water purifier. The rocks are most likely saturated with nutrients that will leach out for a while. Without the algae to feed on them, you'll be fighting a losing battle with high nitrates/phosphates. So if you plan to clean the rocks, I'd strongly suggest taking rocketmandb's advice.

 

I agree. I would nuke the rock. Get new sand. And either trade in the livestock or ask them to keep them for u in the store until you're ready. You're also getting a ton of equipment that is ready to wash and go. Can't beat that deal!

 

I have to agree with the masses. Jump all over that deal! Even if it does take some hard work and a little bit of time to get it all cleaned up and re-cycled, it's still a steal of a deal!

And as someone else said, offer him a solid. $1,000 first, and he will probably take it since it sounds like he just wants it out of there. Worst he can say is no. Then your back to paying the original price!

Good luck with it, and take some before and after pics of it!!

 

what is the best scenario to "nuke" the rock? this thing is loaded to the gills with LR!!

 

I dont know what town craigslist you are in, but I wish I was there. A chiller for a 180g 100.00? 180g tank and stand 300-500.00 Wow!!! I think your estimates are low. Halide lighting 150.00? Even used, that is WAY CHEAP!!!!! Anyway...if it all is in decent shape, I would definately go for it for 1000.00 - 1200.00

 

Here is an example
210 Gallon Complete Reef Aquarium w/Chiller New Bulbs Refrugium

 

For that price I would ditch the rocks and sand, put in yours from your old tank, and build it up again with new stuff. Your rocks will seed the new ones.