Hi! New To The Forum, Got A Few Questions :)

[helsbels6583]

Hi everyone,
Just joined the forum.  Im not a complete newbie, Ive had fish a couple of years but by no means anywhere near an expert!
 
Ive decided to sell my 4ft tank as I'll be moving soon, but will transfer some of the fish to a 3ft tank I have in storage.
 
Questions are around the 3ft tank - Its a Juwel, with the internal filter.  Its been in storage for over a year so all the media is dried out and tank pretty dirty.  Can I just wash the filter media in tap water to get it clean?  Although its dirty, its in pretty good condition so I dont think I need to replace it.
And what can I use to clean the tank?  
I'll be doing a fishless cycle so no fish will be in there for a while yet - does this mean I can use bleach or other cleaning products to get started off clean?
 
 

 

[fluttermoth]

to the forum
 
As long as filter media isn't cycled, yes, it can be cleaned with tap water.
 
You could use bleach, or another cleaning product but, as these can be quite hard to rinse out or neutralise, I prefer to recommend a less problematic approach. A very strong salt solution is the best thing I've found.
 
If you're going to be moving fish to the three foot, you could just move some of their filter media with them, so you don't have to do a fishless cycle; if you're moving half the fish, half the filter media has to move with them; a quarter of the fish, a quarter of the media.

 

[helsbels6583]

I wasnt aware I could start cutting the media down in my other filter - thank you, might do that instead    
 
Is it possible for a filter to not function properly?  I do weekly water changes (50%) but within a day or 2, algae starts appearing on the glass and the water turns slightly green or sometimes cloudy.  Ive also got a few plants with it on the leaves 

   I dont know much about filters but a few fishkeeping friends have said the filter may be the problem.  It does have a slow flow.  I change the top layer of the filter (the floss) every other week and that speeds the flow up, but not for long.
 
I dont over feed, I cut my lights down to 6hrs last month and the tank isnt in direct sunlight.  Any ideas?
 
Sorry - I have more questions than I thought!

 

[Ninjouzata]

Do you ever clean your filter in old tank water? What is your tank stocking? What lighting do you have?
 

to TFF btw!

 

[Byron]

We do need more data as Ninjouzata mentioned.  In addition, water conditions would be helpful, meaning nitrate and pH primarily as these can be indicative of deteriorating conditions.
 
But in very general terms, algae is caused by organics/nutrients and light.  While the filter may obviously be related to the organics/nutrient issue, it is still the presence in the tank of these plus light that causes algae.  Once you have these balanced for the needs of the plants, and if regular maintenance is continued, you will not see problem algae.
 
Byron.

 

[AshleyNZ]

You could always try using white vinegar to clean the tank, the weak acid helps clear calcium deposits. I also used a 1:10 ratio of bleach to water solution to clean my 4 foot, but make sure to give it a few rinses. When you think you're done, do a few more Make sure you can't smell anything. I wouldnt recommend the bleach unless you really think its necessary 

 

[Byron]

Agree.  Bleach may soak into the silicone for instance and leech out down the road.  I agree this is not likely to be much, but still...no use making trouble.  When bleach is used for anything, rinse several times with fresh tap water, and then air dry before use.  This applies to tanks, filter housing, artificial decor, etc.  Never use bleach on porous natural things like wood or rock as it will soak in and not be readily removed.
 
I would just wash the tank with hot water and resort to salt or vinegar if necessary, rinsing very well, etc.  Bleach is really only recommended if disinfection is necessary such as following disease.
 
Byron.