Sooo...I got my awesome craigslist deal, 20 gal tank today. It's beastly!
Since I am budget minded, and we weren't QUITE prepared for such a big thing (we were looking for 5-10gal, but couldn't pass up this deal) is it ok to use the gravel that came with the tank (used)? We bought some more, for live planting, since the stuff it came with is just enough to cover the bottom of the tank. Is it ok to cut corners here, and mix the little bag of new, with the old stuff? I don't know if their fish had cooties!!
How would I clean it? Bleach, vinegar? Or should I just suck it up and buy all new? I'd rather not, especially if it means I could get a few more live plants Would the bacteria on the old gravel help the tank cycle faster? We threw away all the fake plants it came with...
Any help would be awesome, I wanna get it set up ASAP...Butch is already eyeballin it OH!! and while I was there, I saw (what I think is) a blue Butterfly female, striped body and polka dot tail, omgawd cute...she will be my first sister in the sorority..if she is still there...I might snag her up and keep her in a temp home til tank is ready...AND they are on sale for $1.50! perfect timing! *squee*
Since I am budget minded, and we weren't QUITE prepared for such a big thing (we were looking for 5-10gal, but couldn't pass up this deal) is it ok to use the gravel that came with the tank (used)? We bought some more, for live planting, since the stuff it came with is just enough to cover the bottom of the tank. Is it ok to cut corners here, and mix the little bag of new, with the old stuff? I don't know if their fish had cooties!!
How would I clean it? Bleach, vinegar? Or should I just suck it up and buy all new? I'd rather not, especially if it means I could get a few more live plants Would the bacteria on the old gravel help the tank cycle faster? We threw away all the fake plants it came with...
Any help would be awesome, I wanna get it set up ASAP...Butch is already eyeballin it OH!! and while I was there, I saw (what I think is) a blue Butterfly female, striped body and polka dot tail, omgawd cute...she will be my first sister in the sorority..if she is still there...I might snag her up and keep her in a temp home til tank is ready...AND they are on sale for $1.50! perfect timing! *squee*