Habitat - Indoor :: previously owned tank & filter

[mogall]

Helllo everyone! This is my first post to the site, and I hope I don't repeat something that has been posted prior but I am new to this and I need some expert advice. I found this site about a week ago and I am so impressed by the friendliness and wealth of knowledge from it's members. My story: short version, I have "adopted" my daughters two RES and they have stolen my heart - Crush (7") and Little Nicky (5"). My daughter started out with 6 little guys, and before we knew it, they outgrew the 20 gallon we had, so 4 were given to new homes. I just purchased a "gently used" set up ( 40Lx17Dx21H) off of ebay for $120, including a filstar XP3 filter, and I have no idea what to do once I get it home. Of the many questions I have, I guess the most important question right now is what do I need to know about using a "used" filter and making it safe for our guys?

Thank you for any advice you can offer to a semi-newbie!

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[Vtolds]

Welcome to the site, I think the standard way to clean old aquarium stuff for use is just a good wash down with 90% Water and 10% bleach mixture.

[SpotsMama]

After the cleaning, make sure everything air dries until there isn't a trace of bleach oder left.

After cleaning, check the tank for leaks by filling it with water someplace where it won't matter if it does leak. In other words, not in your living room.

You'll probably want all fresh filter media for the filter. (that XP3 is a very nice filter by the way). Did the filter come with operating instructions?

[steve]

For bleach, here is the amount I would recommend:

2 oz. of bleach to one gallon of water can be used to create a solution of approximately 1.5% bleach. Afterward rinse well with clean water repeatedly and allow the object(s) to air dry for at least 24 hours or longer. This allows for fumes and chlorine to dissipate.

For the filter, I would throw away any media that has been used.

[mogall]

Thank you all for great advice. I don't feel so clueless now. I know how important the filter is so I want to do this right.

Yes, I have read that it's a good filter. I am picking everything up on Sunday so I'm not sure if the seller has the manual, but I have done some research on the filter and had even come across a great link to a XP3 setup video someone posted on this site.

I'm excited about finally being able to give our RES a proper home. It's amazing how much pleasure they give me just watching them and I can't wait to see them REALLY enjoying their home..... it's long overdue. Once I get it set up I'll post a few pictures to formally introduce ourselves.

Thanks again!

[madmax1]

here are some question and answers for you THE ultimate RENA site
http://www.planetrena.com/Filstar-Rena-FAQ.html

[marisa]

Since you don't know what's been in the tank, you could disinfect it with a slightly higher bleach/water solution (5% would be good). After rinsing repeatedly, I usually fill the tank with plain water and let it sit. Remove the water and let the tank air dry overnight.

Is the filter visibly dirty? If so, to clean and disinfect a used filter, I have cleaned off all visible gunk (if there is any) and then run the filter (no media) with a weak solution of bleach (2 oz to a gallon of water) for a bit (around 15 min), then removed the solution and run the filter (no media) with clean water (and I usually change the water at least once).

I'm sure your turtles will enjoy their new home...

[focus12221]

As everyone else says make sure there isnt a trace of bleach left, really make sure its rinsed well and air dried for awhile, id wait at the very least 24 hours. Bleach is some strong stuff. I'm not sure how much you already know about RES care, but this site is awesome, really go over the general care, it can help so much.

[mogall]

Marisa, I do know that at the time I purchased the tank off ebay, the owners still had it set up because when we first commuicated he said that he had to "relocate his Rose Line Sharks" and clean the tank. From the picture that he had posted, everything looked pristine.

I need to figure out how to post a picture so I can share.......

The website link you provided was great madmax - thanks. I have already found something regarding turtle tanks in one Q/A on that site.....

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recommend dosing the tank with API Stress Zyme. This is live bacteria that will help break down the solid waste by boosting the action of biological filtration.


Anyone have further input on what this is API Stress Zyme? Is this something I should add to the water? where would I find it?

Yes Focus,12221, I agree, this site is awesome and I have spent several hours so far pouring over the articles and posts.... It's so impressive how much knowledge is shared over and above the articles with these posts. Thank you all again for taking your time to do so.

Tomorrow's the day. I'm hoping to give Crush & Nicky a great Christmas present by having everything set up by Tuesday.

Happy Holidays everyone

[SpotsMama]

I used something called Biotize by Hagen which is pretty much the same thing I think. I added some to the tank when I first set it up to jump start the bio filter (bio filter is the beneficial bacteria that live in your tank and filter and break down the turtle waste). The bacteria will colonize in the tank without using the additive because they live naturally in the environment but it's slower if you let it happen naturally than if you add something like Biotize. I wanted to speed up the process because when a new tank is first set up, before the bio filter is up to speed, the water gets real cloudy for a week or two. Then, when the bio filter gets established the water clears up and stays clear. The faster you can get the bio filter working the shorter the time until the water clears.

[mogall]

Thanks spotsmama - I found the Stress Zyme at the local pet store and added it to the water on setup. The pump is up and running (since the 25th) but the water is still cloudy, but I guess that's to be expected for awhile. Everything was spotless when we picked it up and our guys are LOVING IT. Thanks again for the advice. It definetly helped.

[marisa]

I once used Stress Zyme and it tended to turn the hoses of the XP3 pink/salmon color. My RES didn't have a problem with it, but I did and stopped using it. The pink went away.

[mogall]

Well, we got it all set up and the pump running by Christmas day. Our kids (Nicky & Crush) are LOVING IT!

Wanted to share a few pictures. It's a bit bare and still going through new tank syndrome, but it's great. Can't wait to get the upper-area basking add-on finished. Thanks to everyone for your help & advice.

http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii3/mogall/?albumview=link