Is A Saltwater Smell Dangerous?

[poochbooch]

I just got a 54 gallon corner tank from a garage sale, and I found out that it used to be a saltwater tank. I cleaned the whole tank out with 10% chlorine bleach and let it evaporate, but it still smells like saltwater. Would this be dangerous for tropical fish, and if it is, how would you get rid of it?

 

[Chaydell]

I'm no expert but I would guess that the smell probably won't be a problem. As long as you gave it a good cleaning and got any salt residue out of the system.

 

[Tongue_Flicker]

Does water left in the tank smell like saltwater or the tank itself smells like saltwater?

Try filling it with fresh tap water and leave it for 24 hours to stand. Putting an air pump inside could speed up the process.

Dried bleach residue breaks down into salt water upon contact with air (oxygen specifically) that's why it still has a 'sea' smell after cleaning it with that solution of yours.

 

[poochbooch]

Okay thanks guys!

 

[stanleo]

My 29g was SW for years and sat for 2 years in a garage with the gross sw sand in the bottom of it. I cleaned it out with nothing but hot water and elbow grease. its now been a FW tank for 3 years and is doing great. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[poochbooch]

Thank you!