How to dismantle an atomic bomb ....

[Len]

Oh wait, I mean 120 gallon reef tank. Any tips on taking my beast apart? The funk from removing a 10 year old DSB really has me concerned I think I'm going to add bleach first prior to vacuuming out the sand (someone stop me if this is a bad idea).

I was also thinking of building a dolly the height of the tank, pushing the tank onto it, then rolling it outdoors :p But I might just get a few strong hands to help me out.

Any tips would be appreciated. I've never taken down a tank this heavy before.

 

[Anonymous]

I think the bomb would be easier!

I added 1/2 cup of bleach to my dsb before I took it out. But it stil stunk anyhow. Buy a respirator, and carbon cans. Then scoop away with a plastic dust bin. You could rinse out the sand and use it for your garden. Or just pitch it.

I'd also wait until a nice day so you can open the windows and put fans blowing some fresh air in.
GL

B

 

[coralfarmin]

Imo, just open all the windows and drain the tank, then get something good to scoop with and a 5 gallon bucket and get to work.You'll be done before you know it.I think the bleach would be worse to bear for me.I have removed DSB's and it was'nt that bad.Just be ready to finish quickly.

 

[Anonymous]

Get some one inch hose, long enough to run to a window and outside into a trash can or something else to keep the sand in. Then just siphon it out! Keep filling with fresh water till done. Gotta be one inch or bigger though - smaller just gets clogged over and over again.

When you doing it Len?

 

[Anonymous]

Oh, I thought this thread was going to be about U2. That new album rocks.

Hook me up with a pair of first level seats to the U2 concert that is coming to Miami and I'll tell you the secret to a stink-free DSB removal trick.

I trust you on the tickets, so here's the tip: I removed a 1 year old, 5" thick DSB from my 38 when I converted it to a fresh water planted tank. I just siphoned it off while the tank was full of water. It was kind of a pain in the ass, but it wasn't nearly as messy and smelly as shoveling it out would have been. The fact that the sand stayed underwater the whole time was the reason the smell wasn't that bad. You might even have to add water to your tank to get all of your sand out.

Good luck.

Louey

ps. No back stage tickets. Section 112 would be perfect.

 

[Anonymous]

Why are you taking it down again?

And are you going to post any farewell shots of the tank? I love that tank.

 

[Bucktronix]

Why are you taking it down again?

hes going all macros and well water like bob suggested!

 

[Len]

:lol:

Tank had too many problems the last year (shroom infestation, equipment malfunctioning and effecting tank, etc.) It's time I move on. Parting shots are not pretty, so none will be posted Let's all respect my 120g's wishes to be remembered for the way it was

 

[Anonymous]

I would syphon out what you could. I like the adding water to keep it going idea. Get the last little bit with a shop vac.

 

[Jolieve]

I agree with siphoning it out. I think that will be the easiest way, and yeah, just keep adding water. It doesn't stink if you keep it under water like louey said.

Good luck Len and farewell 120!

J.

 

[Anonymous]

Oh yeah, I did use a shop vac too. They really get the job done quick.

I think my shop vac is a 5 HP.

 

[Anonymous]

Let's all respect my 120g's wishes to be remembered for the way it was

Just pick up the "Ultimate Reef Aquariums" book...it's the best tank in there!!!

Peace,

Chip

 

[Anonymous]

Len, if I may ask, what are you "Moving on" to?

 

[Anonymous]

Yah, have a hose suck the stuff out directly to the outside, in a garbage can or kids sand box Have a hose slowly put water in will make sure you never get to smell the stuff.

 

[Anonymous]

kids sand box

hahaha

I wonder if that would smell worse than our sand box when I was a kid (the neighbors 20some cats used it as a toilet all the time....

 

[Oceans Ferevh]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Yeah our cats did that too when I was a kid...

Yes Len, do tell us what you are mooving on to

 

[Len]

It's a surprise

 

[Anonymous]

Are you gonna have a new tank with ill tempered sea bass with fricken laser beams?

Now that would be a surprise

 

[Bucktronix]

ive always wanted to do a tank with fish and inverts purchased from the grocery store.. that would kick ass! i bet thats what len is doing.

 

[Anonymous]

I wonder if that would smell worse than our sand box when I was a kid (the neighbors 20some cats used it as a toilet all the time....

I always said you were full of crap, Bry...this proves it.

Peace,

Chip