I'm having to start one of my tanks completely over. Looking for advice, please.

[MammaBearinTN]

My life is crazy right now, and I decided to completely shut down the 30 gallon with the black beard algae. I just couldn't get it under control. The tank had 5 pearl gouramis and an angel fish, and they have been rehomed or euthanized. (One was very sick.)

How long will this stuff live in my tank? Do I have to clean every single pebble in the tank, or will a period of inactivity kill this stuff? I am removing all the plants. They look dreadful, anyway.

My beloved german shepherd dog is dying (days to weeks left) and I am very involved in helping other family members with a serious cancer situation. More . I'm just overwhelmed. I want to start up my tank again, so I'm leaving it right where it is. Normally, my fish are a source of relaxation, and hopefully, they will be again, someday.

What should I do knowing that I want to start it up again (hopefully, in the next couple of months)?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Here is a photo of my beautiful girl when she was just six months old. She is now ten years old.

 

[Rocky998]

My life is crazy right now, and I decided to completely shut down the 30 gallon with the black beard algae. I just couldn't get it under control. The tank had 5 pearl gouramis and an angel fish, and they have been rehomed or euthanized. (One was very sick.)

How long will this stuff live in my tank? Do I have to clean every single pebble in the tank, or will a period of inactivity kill this stuff? I am removing all the plants. They look dreadful, anyway.

My beloved german shepherd dog is dying (days to weeks left) and I am very involved in helping other family members with a serious cancer situation. More . I'm just overwhelmed. I want to start up my tank again, so I'm leaving it right where it is. Normally, my fish are a source of relaxation, and hopefully, they will be again, someday.

What should I do knowing that I want to start it up again (hopefully, in the next couple of months)?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Here is a photo of my beautiful girl when she was just six months old. She is now ten years old.

You have a lot.of stress happening... Take it slow. I would focus on the last days with your dog for now... I'm so sorry about her... I know what its like losing a dog you are really attached to. For now just take it easy. You dont have any fish to worry about for now so dont sorry about the tank its just one extra thing in your life. When YOU are ready then set it up.

 

[MammaBearinTN]

Thank you. I just don't want the tank to start smelling. I made the mistake (when upset) of "unplugging" everything for a couple of days, so now all of my beneficial bacteria is dead. sigh No, my brain isn't in a good place right now.

 

[Rocky998]

Thank you. I just don't want the tank to start smelling. I made the mistake (when upset) of "unplugging" everything for a couple of days, so now all of my beneficial bacteria is dead. sigh No, my brain isn't in a good place right now.

The beneficial bacteria can go into a dormancy for 3 weeks before they start dying off... BUT it will die if they dry out. If you really do want to take it down completely then rinse out the filter really well and then rinse off the filter media and dry it out as good as you can. Use a water/vinegar solution for the inside of the tank and on the gravel but not on any sand. Sand should be thrown out in my opinion when shutting an aquarium down. If you have live plants you can sell them or just give them away. All other decor besides wood can be rinsed off with a water/vinegar solution. I hope this helped

 

[Slaphppy7]

So sorry to hear about your dog and relatives...do your best to stay strong for them

I would drain the tank, and clean everything...get a fresh start when you are ready