Getting a used tank, need help!

[LuckyJGuy]

If you want to look at the tread that says "Help! Big time newbie!" It might help you with a little background info if you choose to respond.

I have a friend who had hermit crabs in a 20G long tank, all his hermies died so I asked if he would sell me his tank and he agreed. Now my only question is; what do I need to do to clean the tank before I begin cycling it prior to putting the fish in?

[cpn_aaron]

Depends on how bad off the tank is. If it is relatively dirty and/or was stored in a garage for a while you may want a good scrub from a sponge with light dish soap. You'll need to wash the tank out very well with plenty of water to make sure all of the soap is out. Left over soap could give you an algae bloom, and if it's antibacterial it can make your cycling process take longer. If it was freshly used and is looking clean I'd say use plain water to wash it out several times and wipe it with wet paper towels to clean it up a little bit.

[anonapersona]

No soap, never soap! first clean out gravel and such, then clean any white deposits, then disinfect if you think it is still necessary.

The mildest thing to use first is salt. You can scrub with it, using your hands. This can be done in the tub. Lay a big towel down first. If you prefer to clean the tank in the yard, do not use salt, or don't use much, it will damage the grass and trees.

This will probably be enough to clean it.

If you are concerned about bacteria, most of that should be gone under such high salinity - salt cures pork and beef, you know. But if you are worried, make a 20% solution of household bleach -- unscented -- pour on all surfaces including under the rim, then rinse really well. After bleach, let the tank dry in the sun, that will take the last of the chlorine out. You'll use a dechlorinator later anyway.

If there are calcium deposits left, then try vinegar (before the bleaching which should be last). If that isn't enough, get some CLR -- Calcium, Lime, Rust remover, nasty stuff, use gloves. A new kitchen scrub pad, the green fuzzy sort works well.

If that isn't enough, get a fresh straight razor blade -- be very careful, very easy to scratch glass or cut hands. Save that for last.

Then the bleach, if you chose to use it, dry it with a towel then in the sun.

[LuckyJGuy]

The tanks pretty fresh, it hasnt been stored, in fact its still on my friends dresser. Im thinkin just a couple times through with some water and paper towels would do the trick.

I also have another question, what kind of substrate did you use for your tank? I was thinking about doing sand but I dont know how well that goes in terms of the sand getting in the filters or possible probs like that. Thanks!

[anonapersona]

I'd bleach it at the minimum. then sun dry.

substrate? that's a whole 'nother issue.

I have mostly planted tanks with flourite. And I have some cichlids with white gravel of some sort (bought used, got decor and fish free). One bare bottomed with wood and ferns.

I have a lot of "pool filter sand" cheap at $10/50# from the better fish stores in town, natural brown colors, not too fine like play sand or beach sand, more like fine gravel. Broke down the tank that was in, it is nice, not too fine, wont' get into filters and such. Goof for fish only tanks and can be mixed with flourite for plants.

[LuckyJGuy]

Whats flourite?

[Richer]

Flourite is the name of a special kind of substrate some plant aquarists use. Unless you want to plant the tank, or you like the colour, don't bother getting it.

-Richer

[The Inspector]

A lot of new people who don't care about a planted tank go ahead and get aquarium gravel. That will be fine unless you get some species that like to burrow and dig. they may cut themselves on the gravel. Sand will be good as well. A caution about sand though, if you add water too fast or pour it directly onto the snad from the top of the tank, it will initially stir a lot of the sand up making the water really cloudy looking. Give it a day to settle down. The sand will eventually resettle on the bottom. Or you can pour gently into a bowl on the bottom, and let that overflow onto the sand. This greatly minimizes the disturbance.

BTW I have gravel substrate for my planted tanks, I've done this for years before I knew better...never hada problem.