Re-setting Up 150 Gallon - How to Clean it?

[ConvictKid]

I used to have an Oscar, Jack Dempsy and a convict in a 150 gallon tank. My convict died of popeye after being moved to a hospital tank. I had to drain the 150 gallon tank so that a new floor could be put in and had to move the oscar and dempsy to a 20 gallon and they both died while in the 20 gallon - due to poor water conditions. How should I clean the 150 gallon tank, rocks, filters, etc. to make sure that there isnt any popeye or anything that could contaminate the water once I refill it. Is there a certain way, or it should be fine the way it is? I just dont want to refill the water and end up having the water infested with popeye where one of my new fish will catch it.

[ChicoRaton]

If it's been dry for any length of time, I don't believe you should have to worry about anything. if you want tto though, fill the tank and run a broad spectrum antibiodic at double dose, then do a 100% water change and run carbon in the filter. You would also use a dilute bleach water solution and do the same thing. But, like I said, if it's been dry I don't think you need to worry at all.

[Tightdog1]

i would never use bleach, if youi miss just a little bit it could spell disaster to all your fish, just use boiling water.

[125gJoe]

I also believe if it has been cleaned and allowed to thoroughly dry, it should be safe.

Sorry to hear of the loss of fish..

[daveedka]

Fully agreed that you shouldn't have anything to worry about,
As far as bleach, it is one of my preferred cleaners because it can be neutralized with dechlorinator and that makes it safe for tank use IMO. I bleach a lot of stuff when I am in doubt. the only thing that worries me is driftwood which will soak up the chlorine pretty deeply but even then some good rinsing followed by a few days in the sun takes care of it.
Dave

[Harry Tolen]

The problem arose because of the poor water conditions in the 20g. The fish were almost certainly completely healthy in the 150g, thus there is nothing to worry about when re-filling that tank.

To prevent diseases in the future, do a better job at maintaining water quality.

[fishlips]

If in doubt use bleach. The real question is what are you going to restock it with?

[125gJoe]

If in doubt use bleach. ....I'm guessing you mean "diluted" bleach?? Not full strength..

[anonapersona]

You can also use Potassium Permanganate

Buy it at water softener section of Sears Hardware, among other places. Dangerous stuff, but easy to deactivate with Hydrogen peroxide. May stain skin purple, but deactivates wtih time or any of several chamicals.

Do a search to find instructions on how to mix it.

[First Timer]

The problem arose because of the poor water conditions in the 20g. The fish were almost certainly completely healthy in the 150g, thus there is nothing to worry about when re-filling that tank.

To prevent diseases in the future, do a better job at maintaining water quality.

Harry i believe the dude is trying to ensure that his new fishes dont catch any popeye from the 150g tank.

anyway, i use diluted bleach then rinse a couple times thoroughly and sun dry. works well for driftwood IMO.

[managuense]

+1 id use boiling water. youcan scoop out all the gravel either boil it or through it out, and clean off the walls real well and buiy new filter inserts. but i dont think you need to do that! :)
i would never use bleach, if youi miss just a little bit it could spell disaster to all your fish, just use boiling water.

[Zeromason577]

I use boiling water or a 1-3 mix of beach that has been conditioned with chlorine remover.

Also when using boiling water make sure the tank is not freezing cold as you pour the watter in or it might crack it :thud:

[scott25]

I have a question for you I have a 46 Gallon Bowfront tank which I am trying to heavily plant. I have Red Sea Turbo Co2 System wihich is mostly like a DIY System. Im planning to put swords, vals, Cobomba, Anarchis, and other South American plants. I have Flourite substrate and a 36 Inch Freshwater Coralife Aqualight. Will the 96 wats the light gives be enough for the plants. From the top of the gravel to the top of the water its 16 and a half inchs. Is the light good enough for the plants I want. The light gives about 2 watts per gallon.