What Do You Clean Old Tank And Decorations With ?

[Faythee]

I switched from a 10 gallon to a 75. Just emptied out the 10 gallon and want to store it for a hospital tank. It is pretty icky and not sure if hot water will be good enough. Is there somthing I can use that will be safe ? Thanks !

 

[LRPRESTO]

I use the aquarium salt to get all the junk off the tank. Just add a little water to it to make it a kind of paste and use your hand to rub it on the sides of the tank. I think it's the safest. For my plastic stuff I will use a bleach solution to get rid of the algae but you have to be VERY careful to get ALL of it off before you use it again! I rinse it until I can't smell bleach on it and then put it in water with some vinegar for an hour or longer ( vinegar nurtalizes the bleach smell)then rinse and rinse and rinse again and let it sit out until it is completely dry. I know it's a lot but it works! Some will tell you not to do this because it gets rid of all the beneficial bacteria in the tank and that is true. I only use the aqurium salt on my tank because of that. The toys get so full of algae and the bleach gets rid of it before your eyes! Just be really sure to get it ALL off before using ithem again!
I hope this helps but I'm sure some of the more "die hard" fish owners will say different! That's not a bad thing! (Just a confusing one!) Good luck my friend!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Faythee

If there are white marks, from having hard water, on the glass and top, a little soak in white vinegar will loosen it up so it can be removed with a plastic scrubber pad. Be certain to rinse all the vinegar off to avoid changes in the pH of the water when you use the tank again.

Table salt is also good as a mild abrasive to help remove algae.

If you use chlorine bleach, be certain to rinse it well and let it dry completely before using the tank.

 

[Faythee]

Thanks to both of you ! I am soaking all the decs in super hot water mixed with vinegar. I happened to think since it works on the coffee maker...why not ! Yup..It is those white deposits. Working like a charm. I am afraid of bleach.

 

[dthoffsett]

A paste made of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water works really well on tough stains as well.

 

[Faythee]

Very good idea dthoffsett

I was forced to stay up 'til midnight New Years Eve

 

[dthoffsett]

Very good idea dthoffsett

I was forced to stay up 'til midnight New Years Eve

Unfortunately I have to be at work at midnight, so I was up too.