To Steralize A Tank And Gravel

[Primous]

Hey guys
 
Like the title says I need to steralize my tank and substrate and I'm wondering how best to go about this and what my options are?
 
Should I use bleach or something else? I'm really at a loss here because I've never had to do this before. Right now I've got the tank empty and gravel in buckets. Any suggestions?

 

[Ch4rlie]

There are a couple of options, bleach is one but has to be heavily diluted and rinsed really, really well.
 
Salt is another option you could use as long as well rinsed out afterwards.
 
Obviously you'll probably already be aware, do NOT use soaps or detergents or any cleaning product, a big no no put simply.
 
Edit, you can simply just use plain water but this depends on why you need to sterilise everything, did you have ich or c worms or something else?

 

[Primous]

I'm steralizing because of algae. The alge issue is sorted as I got to the root cause. How would you do the bleach method? Over night or a few hours and how would I apply this to the tank?

 

[star4]

I use a bucket of water with bleach in if I have to steralize a tank, just get a sponge and wipe over all the tank thoroughly, I wouldnt leave it to soak overnight as it might destroy the seals on the tank.

 

[KirkyArcher]

There is no need to sterilise a tank just for algae a good cleaning is all that is needed to remove any dead algae, with hot salty water and a scraper to remove from glass surfaces, gravel however will remain stained even after washing and/or even bleaching and replacing it all would be the best option,​

 

[Primous]

Ok my gravel steralization was as follows...
 
Small amount of bleach in a bucket which I let sit for 4 hours. Rinse, rinse, rinse and then added enough dechlor for 150L to each bucket. Rinse again and let sit for a few mins before adding to tank. With the tank since it has been idle for 2 almost 3 weeks I used boiling hot water and a cloth. I'm good to go, or at least I hope that's the case.