
How do I properly break down and store a fresh water aquarium?
I have finally come to the realization that I cannot keep fish alive and have decided to take down my aquarium. It’s a 30 gallon bowfront. Is there anything I should know about proper breakdown and storage of the tank and accessories? I plan to sell it as soon as I can find a buyer but in this economy, it may take awhile. I just don’t want it to ruin.
Thanks.
Thanks for the pep talk, but I’m definitely not “fish people”. I live in north Alabama so no deal on the sell unless you want to pick it up (it’s a nice drive I hear).
OK, I won’t try to talk you into keeping your tank, but I have tell you about something cool I discovered. My hubby bought some ‘feeder’ crayfish to put in our tank and they are the coolest things. Not only do they keep the tank immaculate but they seem really hardy too (ie. impossible to kill :p). They are pretty “nippy”, so you can’t put slow delicate fish in there with them. They are fascinating to watch.
If you decide you’re going to break it down and sell it though, here’s some guidelines.
Use the siphon to empty out as much water as you can, sucking out as much bottom muck as you can. Once the water is mostly out, carefully scoop out ALL the gravel into a bucket. Remove the plates for the under gravel filter (if you have one). Wash the tank with HOT water (no soap, etc.) using your algae sponge to get any residue off the inside walls. Wipe dry with a clean towel. Run water into the bucket with the gravel to make the residue rise to the top and spill out. Mix up the gravel frequently until the water spilling out runs clear. Drain and dump gravel onto a large towel and let dry thoroughly before transferring to a clean dry bucket. Clean any accessories in hot water and dry thoroughly. Put the dry accessories into the dry tank and cover with a sheet or plastic for storage. Store the gravel separately.
My tank is a bowfront too. Samson loves hanging out on it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30843926@N03/3812021854/in/photostream/
I’ve actually been thinking about getting another. I’m a lot closer than LA, but still a bit too far to go to pick up a fish tank. It IS a nice drive though.
Fishing Store- lures, jigs, poppers, hooks, assist hooks,
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