Cleaning Used Tank, help!

S

Seasalt

AC Members
Dec 22, 2005
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I just got a used 10 gallon tank that is filthy. I'm afraid that there are stuff in there that would kill anything I would put in there. What do you recommend I clean the tank out with? It came with a under gravel filter and a hanging filter but I'm coming to the conclusion I will need to throw those away.

I'm planning to put bunch of plants and breed ghost shrimp and snails.
 
Plain water and elbow grease! No cleaners, please. Just use a regular kitchen sponge, the kind with the scrubby side.
 
I use Oxyclean, bleach, vinegar, and ammonia when needed. Ammonia degreases, vinegar is good with lime deposits, and oxyclean and bleach both do well on anything organic. All will rinse clean with a couple of rinsings, bleach (about the stickiest of the four mentioned) will dissapear on it's own given time, or it can be counteracted with dechlorinator. Elbow grease is of course the biggie, but things like lift tubes and UG plates I usually dsoak in bleach and then rinse them clean. The razor blade is also a good suggestion just be careful around the silicone seal.

Dave
 
thanks guys....

i guess it will take some effort into cleaning the tank... do you guys know if I have to cycle the tank before I put plants in there or will it be ok to just get rid of the chlorine...
 
One other tool, rather than a razor blade...

I use a 1" wide putty/spackel knife. It's much safer and if you use the edges correctly, can be just as effective as a razor blade.
 
I got a used tank from someone, and was told to use a vinegar, salt and water mix. I will all wash out when you rinse.
 
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