View Full Version : Oxy clean
thumper
11-25-2003, 7:21 PM
has anybody used oxyclean on their (empty) tanks? Does it work well?
MrGoodbytes
11-25-2003, 7:26 PM
I don't think that would be a good idea. Some chemical residue would probably remain, which likely isn't good for the fish that end up in there next.
If you have calcium carbonate deposits in you tank, try using vinegar or dilute hydrochloric acid. Remember to wash the acid out when you're done. Otherwise, water will do the trick fine.
Graeme
thumper
11-25-2003, 7:37 PM
that was fast
I know that Oriongirl says the stuff works great. I haven't used it myself but I generally trust her judgment.
Dangerdoll
11-25-2003, 8:26 PM
Oriongirl swears by that Oxyclean, which I think says a lot. IMO, if she thinks it's safe enough, I'd go with it.
thumper
11-25-2003, 8:36 PM
ok then...
I'm completely open to ideas
Dangerdoll
11-25-2003, 9:01 PM
just in addition..... when using Oxyclean, as with anything else, the tank and/or decoration you are cleaning should be rinsed well before adding to the tank.
OrionGirl
11-25-2003, 9:45 PM
Oxyclean is very safe for tanks. It does not leave a residue, and unlike bleach, does not soak into porous objects. I've used it to clean tanks and equipment for both FW and SW. It's awesome for cleaning equipment like nets, because you can dump them in a jar of hot water, soak, rinse, and dry--and know that any parasites in it are killed off.
thumper
11-26-2003, 8:44 AM
I know it'll leave SOME residue, it's a slick, clear job, but I always felt it come off easy. but you know, the delicate nature of the fish and stuff.
OrionGirl
11-26-2003, 9:53 AM
Nope, there is not a residue like you get with soap or bleach. Certainly, you don't just pour off the oxyclean and call it good, it does need to be rinsed, but one rinse is enough, and that slippery feeling won't cause any problems if not rinsed away--it's not toxic. It's similar to hydrogen peroxide--which can be used straight in your tank (for specific reasons, don't just pour it in).
JSchmidt
11-26-2003, 9:56 AM
Oriongirl, what amount of Oxyclean do you use? Just as the directions on the package state, or do you have your own preferences for how much to use?
Jim
OrionGirl
11-26-2003, 10:12 AM
For cleaning a tank that I know should be okay, I use a half dose, or about 1 cup (the little blue cup that comes with the container) per 5 gallons. For used tanks I purchase, I use 1 cup per gallon of water used for cleaning, repeat twice. For equipment, I use 1/2 cup per gallon of hot water.
JSchmidt
11-26-2003, 10:29 AM
Thanks!
thumper
11-26-2003, 2:14 PM
what would you recomend for a tank that's been sitting in the garage for 6 years? I vaccumed all the dust and bugs and stuff out, but I need something scrubbish for the grime in addition to the hot water
MrGoodbytes
11-26-2003, 2:19 PM
My advice was based on an inference, so sorry if it caused some confusion. Thanks to OrionGirl for some good info :).
If you need something to scrub with either buy one of those green algae pads or else I like to make a slurry out of hot water and salt. Lots of salt to make almost a salt paste and scrub with that. If there is any residue I don't mind so much.
Well, I'm late to the party, but I'll chime in anyway.
I'm an Oxyclean user as well, strongly believe in it and have never had any issues from using it.
Similar to OG's use, it is what use for QT tanks and their support equipment that I know have had nasties- as a batch of neons w/NTD or TB. All that after disposal of the fish of course.
Originally posted by OrionGirl
It's similar to hydrogen peroxide
it's not similar to hydrogen peroxide, it *is* hydrogen peroxide, just dried. mixed with baking soda also.... i read the label one night when i was looking for a particular cleaner..........
i haven't used it specifically for my tanks, but i would imagine it would be fine. i think in theory the ph from the baking soda would be a bigger problem than the dried peroxide.
MrGoodbytes
11-30-2003, 11:38 AM
I thought hydrogen peroxide was a liquid. I also heard from my chemistry teacher that a concentrated solution, like one that would be formed by mixing it with a little water, would instantly kill anything, including the cells in your hand.
Slappy*McFish
11-30-2003, 1:18 PM
Oxyclean is a mixture of Sodium Carbonate- Na2CO3 and Sodium Percarbonate-'C2H8Na4O12'. You can buy it in it's purest form here: http://www.chemistrystore.com/sodium_percarbonate.htm
thumper
11-30-2003, 4:51 PM
thanks guys. I got the tank vacummed out and oxycleaned and it looks great! hope it doesn't leak! :eek: :eek: