big question

[malmom]

Well I don't know where to start so i will just start writing. I am looking at a complete saltwater setup the guy said he got really lazy with it so it is a mess it has live rock, live sand and fish. My question is I want to combine it with my current tank so what steps should be taken or should I not even try to attempt it? I'm worried it may contaminate my tank. I have just seen it through pictures it looks like it might have a lot of algae growth but I am not sure. I am going to go look at it but wanted to know what to do before I go...Any advice would be great...

 

[returnofsid]

Well, you could kill off the live rock and re-cure it. It'll eventually become good live rock again. Unless you're willing to take those steps, I don't think I'd risk it. I'd also suggest tossing the live sand. As for the fish, do you have room in your existing tank? Are they compatible with other life in your existing tank? Do you want them? If you can answer "yes" to these questions...AND if you have the ability to quarantine them, go for it.

 

[jedimike]

I would think that your maintenance habits would eventually take care of any problems. It's most likely just hair algae. As long as you have a tang, rabbit, or something that eats it, you should be fine.

It's hard to pass up a good deal. On the other hand, I've gotten flatworms, ich, and red bugs from jumping on "good" deals.

Inspect it closely, and if it is just algae, go for it. I've seen tanks in terrible condition that were turned around in just a couple months.