Cleaning My New Used Tank.

[jsmathieson]

I just bought a tank from someone. The tank was astablished at one time and has been empty for about 6 months. It came with a filter, gravel and plants. I was wondering about a safe way to clean everything.

Thanks

 

[rdd1952]

It really depends on how dirty it is and what is in it. If it's simply dusty, you can wash it out with a little vinegar or ammonia and water. If you need a stronger cleaner, use a mixture of 20 parts water to 1 part bleach but you have to make sure you rinse the tank thoroughly when you are finished to get the bleach out. If it has crude stuck to the glass, just fill it up and let it soak for a while and most of it will fall right off.

 

[crazie.eddie]

I usually soak stuff in bleach/water solution. If it's a filter, I put a container to hang the filter on and run the filter. I also use a bleach/water solution. When I'm done, I rinse/soak in water. Then I soak the stuff in water with LOTS of dechlorinator.

 

[lovemyfraggies]

I do the same thing. I take my tank outside and fill it with water and add some bleach and let it soak a few hours and then I rinse it really good. I never had any problems just a clean tank.[/size]

 

[Inchworm]

Hi jesi

If the tank has white marks from hard water dehydrating on the glass, white vinegar will loosen it up so it can be rubbed away with a plastic scrubber pad. Just pour it on full strength and let it set there for a while. Rinse well when finished.

Your best bet would be to get rid of the gravel and replace it with new. "Play sand" from the home supply store, is cheap and safe both for children and fish, but it does take a little work to get the loose dust and silt out. IMHO, it's well worth the effort.

 

[jsmathieson]

Thanks, I am mostly worried about the gravel. It has been sitting in buckets for 6 months... and smells funny. Should i just rinse it it water?

BTW I LOVE THIS FORUM!!!!

 

[rdd1952]

As Inchworm mentioned, I would just replace the gravel with new. It's hard to tell what type bacteria may be attached to the old stuff and simply rinsing it in water wouldn't kill or remove all baddies that may be present. Gravel and sand are both relatively cheap and new, clean substrate would be much safer than the old stuff.

 

[jsmathieson]

how about the filter media? should I get new stuff for it?