[karatelovr]

Hi everyone - it's been a long time since I've shown interest enough in my fishtank to belong to message boards, but time has come to ask some questions. Quick background: I own a 29 gallon tank that's about 9 years old. It has been through several "fish life" cycles - meaning fish have come and gone, the tank has been moved, my interests have changed, etc. For the last year, I've had nothing in this tank other than a striped raphael, which, despite my best efforts of not feeding, not changing water/cleaning tank, barely ever replacing/cleaning filters - would NOT DIE!! Ok, I say that b/c I knew this move was coming up and quite frankly, I'm sure my water was so out of whack I dont' know how the thing lived that long! Anyway, I ended up posting a sign in my apt complex and found a suitable home for him (hell, the tank he went to was so pristine clean, he'll probably die from shock!!)

Now, I'm left with the task of moving this thing. Here are my questions:

1)How much "stuff" do I throw away? I got rid of most of the plastic plants (only keeping a few unique ones) and I will get rid of the gravel. What about the heater and the air stone? And is it worth trying to clean all the mineral deposits off both filters? Both are over the top filters, one with a bio wheel, the other just standard. Obviously, I will buy new carbon filters, but just wondering if it would be better to buy new filter systems all the way around (there's always that UGF debate....) As I mentioned, both filters (which are newer than the tank, maybe only 5 years) are heavily encrusted with white deposits and have algae and other build up in their intake tubes. When I used to clean the tank regularly, I had brushes and such to clean with, but after this much time not sure if I could get it all. Money is an object, but I'm not setting the tank up right away so I can buy stuff a little at a time.

2)What is the best way in your experience to clean the hood and light fixtures? (This was an "all-in-one" aquarium with base, hood, light, etc.) The water in my tank has always seemed to evaporate quickly and leave either crusty white deposits or algae. For the most part, I pop them in a tub and scrub them down with hot water. However, doing this every week is part of what made me lazy to cleaning the tank in the first place! Is there something I can do in the future to prevent build up?

3)Should I clean the inside of tank with white vinegar (or something else?) once empty? I would think being a "used" tank might be good for cycling the water so I don't want to make it too squeaky clean, yet with my history for limited success I'm not sure how to start over here.

4)Any other advice for moving this (empty) tank? The movers will be handling it, but should I still check for leaks at the new house (only 13 miles away)?

OK, that's it for now. I know this is long, so answer only what you have time for. Thank you!!

~Kar