Cleaning Questions.....

[kalm2kaos]

Have just got a bigger tank, which came with a Fluval 304. Tank had previously had cichlids in it, so has sand,bogwood and some rock which looks like pumice but is much rougher and coarser. Am intending to set up a decent community tank with it, rasboras,neons,barbs etc. Its in a bit of a state,and am cleaning it all thoroughly. Am taking my time so no rush

Question 1, What can I use to remove limescale,algea etc? Just water, or is there something else I could use? ie washing up liquid or similar?

Question 2, Assuming its all thoroughly washed, is it ok to use the sand etc from the old setup as a basis for the new one? (wont use all the rock,but there are a couple of bits I would like to put in) would the rocks affect the ph of the water? Could they contain anything harmful to my new setup?

and finally (for the moment)

Question 3, Can anyone guide me to somewhere where I can view some operating instructions for the pump?( Fluval 304) I have only had an internal filter up to now, and have no idea how to clean,setup or operate an external one. I know its probably very simple,but its always simple if you know the answer




(And I don't)

 

[BigIan]

Question 1, What can I use to remove limescale,algea etc? Just water, or is there something else I could use? ie washing up liquid or similar?


depending how hard it is i`d go witrh water and a green scouring pad. it will leave no residue at all it may take a little more elbow work but means you have no chance of contaminating the tank

Question 2, Assuming its all thoroughly washed, is it ok to use the sand etc from the old setup as a basis for the new one? (wont use all the rock,but there are a couple of bits I would like to put in) would the rocks affect the ph of the water? Could they contain anything harmful to my new setup?

IF the sand and rock has already been in an aquarium its safe to say that it`ll work well in another one...

 

[Tolak]

Answer #1; Plain white vinegar removes hard water stains, rinse well afterwards. The scouring pad will work on algae, be real careful if it's an acrylic tank. If it's a glass tank, and it has nasty dried on algae to the point it looks like a WWII relic dredged from the sea, Sno-Bowl toilet bowl cleaner is the trick. Wear protective gear so you don't get any on any body parts, use plenty of ventilation, and rinse like you never rinsed anything before.

Answer #2; I would put the sand in an old pillowcase, mix a bucket with 1 part chlorine bleach to 20 parts water, and pour it through the sand, then rinse with tap water. This will rinse out any debris that may be left, and the bleach will take care of most any bacteria that may be in there from the previous aquarium. Put a drop or 2 of vinegar on the rocks you want to use. If it fizzes, use them in your yard, not in your tank. If it doesn't fizz, toss them in a bucket with the same bleach/water mixture. Rinse with tap water afterwards.

Answer #3; http/www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/product.c...=01002100020101

 

[kalm2kaos]

Thanks everyone who replied

more scrubbing needed....