Tank prep/cleaning solutions

[Firefighter Blu3]

I've started setting up a tank two months ago, doing it slow and proper. I'm not that new to saltwater but I am far from having all the answers. I have a 90g tank and I need to clean the tank (inside and out) prior to use. Previously I had tanks that were small enough that I could lug into the tub and rinse really really good. This however is another story.

I have tape and sticker glue, dirt, dust, and oily hand smears on the inside of the tank.

What cleaning solutions can I use that will safely purge this gunk from my tank considering that I really don't have an easy way to thoroughly rinse a typical cleanser such as dish soap or windex?

thanks

 

[Navarre]

Is the tank indoors? if not then can you get a pressure washer on it?

 

[Firefighter Blu3]

Yes, it's indoors. My only option is to find a by-hand cleaning method.

 

[ostrow]

What is making you think you need to clean it?

 

[Firefighter Blu3]

Honestly I don't think the inhabitants will enjoy the bits of paper gumming, and sticker glue. I certainly won't enjoy looking through a big square of gunk while I'm wanting to enjoy my creatures. Even so I am concerned about aerosols and other contaminants that came to be inside the tank prior to my aquiring it. It was far from sealed upon delivery and far from clean. I've already wiped out the mud smears.

 

[Def]

I clean tanks with water, kitchen roll, towels, elbow grease and a scraper. Takes time, but at least I know there's nothing in there that can cause damage.

 

[Firefighter Blu3]

Considering the dirtiness of the tank when I got it, I assume it had at one point been outside. Pardon my wariness but I really would like to -wash- it out before putting a colony of life in there that is likely going to be injured.

 

[Navarre]

Defs suggestion is probably the safest to be honest. I really dont tink there is any easy way of cleaning it. If the tank is this dirty before your stock is placed in it then i would strongly suggest that after cleaing it you fill with water and then test for known marine toxins such as Copper (which is deadly to all inverts and corals) as this is a well known treatment for freshwater systems.

 

[ostrow]

Yeah, no detergents. Warm/hot water and a scraper. Can't fathom why there are stickers on the INSIDE. Normally those are on the outside. Be that as it may, no detergents, esp if you think you may want corals in there -- and even if you don't believe me, you will.

Get a good scraper and be careful not to scratch the glass. That's about it.

 

[The Reefer]

I used white vinegar mixed with hot/warm water to clean mine out when I set it up. Rinsed it out real well, and then let it air dry for a few hours.

 

[Paul_MTS]

I used warm water, a blue scrubby pad on a stick thing, lots of cloths and a bit more water!!

I climbed inside the tank to do most my cleaning.

 

[RamJet]

I used white vinegar mixed with hot/warm water to clean mine out when I set it up. Rinsed it out real well, and then let it air dry for a few hours.

This is my method also, through in a razor blade and alittle elbow grease let it dry. If you are worried about copper get a bag of coppie sorb and leave it in the tank until its done cycling.