Old Saltwater Tank

[kcharley]

Hi all.

Awhile back I picked up a 58 gal tank that had been used for saltwater fish. I thought I had cleaned it very well using a combination of vinegar, elbow grease and household spray cleaner. I can't see any salt residue and the water is very clear but, the water smells like salt. I'm only on the second batch of water in the tank though.

Will the smell clear if I continue to do major water changes?

Is there something in particular I should use to clear any remaining salt?

I just realized the smell may be coming from the lid. It is a rough surface and difficult to clean. That will be easy to test. I'll just take the lid off for a day or two and see how it smells.

Is there any test in particular I should do before putting fish and/or plants in the tank?

Thanks for any advice.

Greg

 

[fatheadminnow]

Not sure about this, all I know is that you can add 1 part bleach to 10 parts water to clean it.

Don't use any clean supplements to clean the tank, like you said you used house hold spray, try not to do that again.

Try the bleach, and see if that works.

-FHM

 

[kcharley]

Thanks FHM,

The lid is apparently most of the problem. I removed it overnight and the salt odor is gone this morning.

I'll empty the tank tonight and clean it again.

Since ammonia is a cleaner and I have pure ammonia (and a respirator ), couldn't I clean it with an ammonia solution?

Greg

 

[fatheadminnow]

Well, I never heard of people doing this, but we do use ammonia for a fishless cycle, so I do not see why it would be a bad idea?

Yes, makes sure you don't breathe it in either, its toxic! lol

When it comes time to fill the tank with water, make sure to rinse it out very well first, and then double up on watch dechlor.

Wash the hood as best you can too!

Water in the tank will evaporate and start to condense on the under side of the hood, and if there is still salt there, it will drip back into your tank and cause some problems.

-FHM