Disinfecting before renovating tank?

Hi guys.

This is a variation of a question I asked on another forum, but I really want to get solid advice from the Jedi Masters, so here I am.

I'm all set to completely renovate my planted tank which has been up and running for about 9 years, but almost completely neglected for the past 5. At different points in time this tank has been infected with every imaginable freshwater algae, but currently has a fairly extensive infection of BBA, diatoms, surface scum and some unknown brown slime.

It has a Flourite substrate rich with years of fish poo and super dependable Eheim filter which I plan to reuse, but other than that all plants and hardscape are being replaced. I have new lights, CO2 and fresh EI fertz ready to go.

So, my questions:

* Should I give the Flourite and filter a bleach bath to nuke any stowaway algae and spores? I know this would kill all of my beneficial bacteria as well and thus require the tank to cycle and also wash away the nutrient rich mulm. Is this a worthwhile tradeoff for starting algae free?

* Would disenfecting the substrate and filter with a strong Excel solution perhaps get the algae but spare the beneficial bacteria?

* Although I will be EI dosing, it seems worthwhile to supplement the Flourite before I replant, especially if I'll be loosing the mulm. What do you guys recommend? Someone on the other forum recommended a light dusting of peat moss, potash and chelated iron on the bottom of the tank. Thoughts?

Thanks!!
Jeremy

 

Hey Gerry!

Thanks for the advice. I'd love to go for the ADA AS, but I've already bought more Flourite to help add more slope in the next scape, plus I think the wife would throttle me when she saw the price tag of the AS. ;-) Maybe next time...

I do think I'll give the earthworm castings a shot, though.

So, should I bleach the filter?

Thanks!