Question on Sanatizing A 10G Tank ???

[Skittles]

My monster-in-law is giving me a 10G tank with all the accessories. Problem is she could never keep anything alive in it, not even snails. Answer she cleaned the tank with Windex between sets of Fancy Goldfish and the toxins obviously killed every new subsequent victim thereafter.

I informered her when she first started having problems what had she done and since I found out about the Windex Wipeout.

So since she is giving me the tank what sanatation step should I take to make sure I dont kill off my future occupants???

What to clean the tank with???
Should I change the filter entirely or just the filter media??? (not sure what type filter it is)
What about all the substrate and plants ???

Or should I on the safe side just sanatize the tank and start fresh with all new stuff???

All replays are appreciated.

 

[akudewan]

Well, this tank sure has a bad history.

What to clean the tank with???

Salt. Unprocessed sea salt. Thats what I use. Oh, and make sure you use lots of water and srub it well. Thats the only way to get the left over windex according to me.

Should I change the filter entirely or just the filter media???

Definitely change the filter media, maybe even the filter too, just to be on the safe side. If you dont want to change the filter, then atleast let it be in the sun for a day. "Maybe" it will help.

What about all the substrate and plants ???

My suggestion would be: Change 'em.

It will be really frustrating for you if you go through all the work of setting up the tank, and then the fish die. I suggest you take good care to get rid of that bloody windex!!

All the best to you

 

[f250fisherman]

Vinegar and water will cut the windex. Rinse well, then use a bleach/water mix to sanitize. Rinse very well, rinse again, and..oh yeah...rinse some more. Then fill with water and add de chlorine. Use a heavy dosage, then let sit for 24 hrs. Then rinse well, and fill with treated water for fish. Use a little extra de chlorine, and it should be fine. I would use new everything, but if it's a power filter, just clean the same way as tank, then put new filter media in.

 

[Skittles]

Thanks for all the help and info, Im so excite to finally get it so I will buy all new everything and scour and clean this tank.

Mmmmmmmmmm i wonder if it would help to run it throught the dishwasher with no detergent???
Just kidding I would never that would just make the situation worse I know. Id never be able to rid the tank of the residue.

But wouldnt it be nice to have a separate dishwasher just for fish tanks, LOL!!