Need to do a deep clean on bio cube 29

[silent_circle]

I have a 29 gallon biocube with two clown fish. It is constantly getting Algae and the sand and rock are 4+ years old. I want to empty the tank and do a deep clean and put new rock and new live sand.

I plan on housing the two clown fish in a temporary 10 gallon tank until I can clean the tank.

What are my options and what would you do to efficiently move the fish out clean the tank then cycle the new tank and re-introduce the fish.

What nitrifying bacteria would you use?
What type of rock would you use?
What cleaning liquids to use?


I was thinking to move a rock from the current tank to the 10 gallon to seed it so I can temporarily house the fish.

 

[oceanslide]

Vinegar, water and razor blade to clean the tank when its empty.
Marco dry rock is pretty nice and as far as bacteria there's tons to choose from, dr tims, fritz, prodibio, instant ocean. either one will work

 

[silent_circle]

It’s been a while since I cycled a tank. If I use nitrifying bacteria, how long does tank cycle for? Should I use a ‘test fish’ before I re-introduce my clown fish? I had these fish for a long time and I don’t want them to die

 

[oceanslide]

I think each product has a different time frame, i'd go with what it says on each bottle

 

[DEWreefing]

Be careful switching out all the rock and the sand you could cause a new cycle

 

[DEWreefing]

Be careful switching out all the rock and the sand you could cause a new cycle

 

[silent_circle]

I want to start fresh so I just need to house the fish in a 10 gallon holding tank until I can clean the 29 gallon and introduce new sand and rock

 

[five.five-six]

Be careful switching out all the rock and the sand you could cause a new cycle