Hello everyone !!
I spent 10 years in the hobby, keeping mostly large freshwater tanks, at my peak I had 1200 gallons in my fishroom and a 1500 gallon koi pond. I had one reef tank that I was able to keep fairly healthy and fairly stable for about 18 months before I got out of the hobby. And then I had kids and took down almost all of may tanks, and sold the pond when I moved. I haven’t had any tanks running for 6 years, but my girls are now old enough I trust them to not knock a tank over or throw a ball through the glass.
So I plan on re-entering the hobby with a 75-125g reef tank. I know a fair amount of things have changed in the hobby in the time I have been gone. I did nothing as far as keeping up with reading/looking online and I have stepped into a fish store maybe 3 times in those six years, so I am truly in the dark when it comes to new stuff. I am in the very beginning of planning and figuring out what I need to relearn, but my plan is to take it slow.
One question I have, so I can start prepping rock now so its ready for later — A lot of people used to talk about “nukeing” rock before starting a tank. If I’m not mistaken it included bleach baths and vinegar baths, and Im not sure what else. If someone could let me know what the best course of action would be, I would appreciate it.
I have more than enough rock to do my project, and it has been sitting dry in my basement ever since. So whatever I need to do to get it “usable” so its clean will be step 1. I have several barrels and stock tanks in the basement so I can start this process soon.
Step 2 I need to decide if I want to use the 75g I still have, or if I buy a 90,100, or 125
Step 3 build my rock work just right the first time, instead of throwing it together and never being happy (we have all been there)
Step 4 start cycling it (i will need some advice and pointers when this time comes)