Dilema what to do

[Myka]

Every bit helps. You can hand scrub it all, and soak it for a few weeks doing 100% waterchanges every week and you're going to be better off than using it "fresh out of the box".

Fwiw, try feed supply stores for a big tub. They have large tubs for feed and water - they aren't cheap though. A kiddie pool would do the trick cheaply, but an annoying shape.