Very Old Tank - Still Useable?

[Robbo1]

Hi there, my name's Rob,

We used to have a fish tank of tropical fish. The tank is no longer being made I believe. It's a 'TropiQuarium 68' http/www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=384&pf_id=5006. It has laid completely dormant for roughly 10 years, as it was once the water was emptied. The innards of the filter and heater (an all in one set up called a Hagen BioLife 35&55) contains filthy bits and pieces on the inside mech, motor, hex nodes? all would need to be cleaned/replaced) basically it's filthy with algae and God knows what else...

I was wondering how I would go about cleaning everything (obviously I would replace all the innards of the filter system) It all worked very well back then and would require checking. What cleaning products should I use, would a fish shop offer a full cleaning service and check on the tank?

Many questions but back then it was a very good tank and worked fine. Very interested in getting set up again as I absolutely loved my tropical fish as a teen and now as an adult fancy setting it all up again to relax to.

Obviously I'm sure it's ideal to buy new everything, but I'd rather just clean up what I've got. Doable? Obviously I want it to be healthy and nice for fish so don't want to take any risks.

Also if anyone knows anything about this system (the lighting, heater and filter are all linked) if bits can be replaced (im not very good with electrics etc)

Thanks a lot to anyone that takes the time to reply

Rob

 

[AN1M343V3R]

i couldn't see why you couldn't use it, just don't use bleach and stuff like that i think some members use vinegar to clean hard algae , tbh just some nice elbow grease as they would say would do it, and probably to check the seals before cleaning fill it so much and leave it for a bit to check for leaks just to be on the safe side.
i hope this helps ^^, post some pics when setting up as well quite a few members like to see that! (including myself)

 

[Ruskull]

Of course you should be able to use some of the old setup, maybe even all of it. You'd probably be better off with a new Bio-Wheel filter though. My son's 20 gallon (72 Litre) has a Marineland Penguin 150 that works great.

You should clean it with warm/hot water, take everything apart carefully & clean all of it without using any soap or detergents. I believe you can clean it with ammonia and/or very deluded bleach BUT SOMEONE CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG. The ammonia shouldn't be a problem since the beneficial bacteria actually feed on it. The bleach I'm not so sure about...............

Good luck though & welcome to the boards.

Please post pics of your progress. You could start planning how you want to set it up & what fish you want to stock it with. I'm very new to the hobby but I find my 2 tanks very relaxing too.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Robbo1

Welcome to the forum!

The age of the equipment alone shouldn't be a problem for you. There are many older tanks still in use. I would strongly recommend, however, that you dispose of the heater. It's one item that can be dangerous if it fails and it would be best not to take a chance with an old one.

 

[gatorsean]

using ammonia can be dangerous if it contains surfactants so check the label for that.

 

[Ruskull]

Hi Robbo1

Welcome to the forum!

The age of the equipment alone shouldn't be a problem for you. There are many older tanks still in use. I would strongly recommend, however, that you dispose of the heater. It's one item that can be dangerous if it fails and it would be best not to take a chance with an old one.

Hey, I'm originally from Long Island myself. I used to live in Centereach, Selden & East Patchouge.

 

[Mowbz]

I can recommend it, i run one currently, albeit somewhat modified lol Very old tanks.

It should have originally had a built in heater/filter and lamp hood unit with a digital timer on the front. I would bet it doesnt work? (You can buy a replacement unit on ebay as they never lasted long, but £83, i would save your money)

I got mine second hand and apart from it missing its original filter and heater (common when second hand, even on the larger model), everything else it was perfect. The light unit packed up a month later however, so i took the hood apart and modified the internals to fit a Hagen Glo ballast into where the filter housing was, and respective wiring to the holes for the tubes.

I would recommend stripping everything down and replacing all the filter media. Give everything a wash with a very weak thin bleach solution, and rinse WELL. Double up on the first few doses of dechlorinator when filling/ changing water.

Parts appear pretty rare now, i did see a hood shell on ebay a few weeks back but again, at £50, you can buy a new tank. If its just been sat doing nothing, i would bet itll clean up just fine. Mine was a bit dirty when i got it, but a decent scrub sorted it.

As it doesnt have its original "innards" anymore im running a Fluval U2 Filter and a Interpet 100W heater. Currently houses 10 Corydoras Panda, 5 Cherry shrimp, i think 2 small snails, and 1 possibly 2 panda fry

Light unit;

Tank

Let me know if i can help with anything else.

Ben

 

[CezzaXV]

i couldn't see why you couldn't use it, just don't use bleach and stuff like that

Actually, if you have pure bleach (with no perfumes or anything in it), it should be fine to use in a solution of 1 part bleach to 20 parts water, as long as you do a massive overdose on the dechlorinator afterwards. All bleach is is highly concentrated chlorine.

 

[Robbo1]

Thanks all really appreciate the replies, since this post have been inspired by some research and a relatives tank have now decided to fork out for a bigger tank...

I'm in England (Midlands)

I have heard buying second hand via ebay is often a very good route to take... I don't mind paying decent cash to be honest, very keen to get started. Any recommendations/stores to check out?

Thanks

 

[Robbo1]

considering something like this perhaps?

http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cabinet-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Tropical-100cm-250L-New-/180549484031?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&var=&hash=item6fc2936d68

 

[Mowbz]

If your going to look on eBay, i would recommend looking for a second hand tank, you'll get much more for your money,and they're often in very good condition, and just need a clean. I bought a 75 gal and stand complete with light bar (on here however) for £50, and its lovely. Also bought a brand new 1400lph external filter with UV light new for £40.

For a hobby that costs so much as it is, why waste cash

The Tropiquarium i have the same as yours cost me £20, i then had to spend another £30 on a filter, £20 on a heater, and £40 on a new lighting ballast and tubes to get it running.

This was before i discovered this forum, and i could have probably picked up eveything above for the price i paid to light the tank from the clasiffieds section here.