Cleaning/sterilizing

Hannys_Papa

Hannys_Papa

AC Members
Aug 31, 2005
596
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0
Upstate NY
Hi,

i am new to the hobby and got a used tank + equipment that had 2 goldfish die in it (unknown causes but suspected fungus/ bacteria) and i would like to make sure that once i start it up/ cycle it etc. none of whatever caused the fish to die will infect any newly introduced fish.

How should i clean/ treat/ sterilize the tank, filter, gravel, plants and anything else that came in contact with the water.

I read a lot about using bleach - but as many people say its safe to use - other say its not. LFS isnt of much help as the lady there isnt too experienced and i didnt get to visit any other fish stores yet because there are hardly any in this area and with gas prices right now i dont intend on driving 50 miles to find out the next store employee doesnt have a clue either.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Bleach is used on rocks, but ive never heard of it being used on tanks. I would just rinse it out with hot water. Read up on cycling, or else your new fish may not last too long. Welcome to the forum. What size tank do you have, and what do you plan to put in it?
 
try and do a search on the forums too, there are lots of safe ways to clean/disinfect a tank, I just don't remember exact procedures!
 
Well i already spent about 3 days searching the web for a "safe" cleaning method and thats why i decided to just ask in this forum. It seems busy and filled with knowledgable people.

I guess i'll try a strong saltwater mix and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Hope it'll be enough to kill anything that could be able to create future problems.

The tank is only 10 gallons so i dont intend on getting many fish - maybe 2 or 3 small ones. I am aware that cycling will take many weeks so i thought i decide on the fish while the tanks cycling.
 
sorry, I mean to do a search on these forums :D !! Or even go back a few pages in the newbie and general section. I'm almost positive this just came up a couple of days ago
 
Do you know whether the tank is glass or acrylic?
I only have experience with glass tanks.
IME Bleach is very good to use if used properly.
I dilute it like 9 parts water 1 part bleach and wash/soak things in it.
Rinse very thoroughly(sp?) and allow to dry.
the chlorine will 'gas off'. You can also rinse things off in water that has a whole lot of dechlorinator in it.
Boiling things that can be boiled ( like the gravel, after a lot of rinsing) will also sterylize it and no need to worry about chlorine.
I have read that people rinse live plants in bleach/water but i have never tried that.
what I would NOT advise is using any kind of soap or spray cleanser or anything! these things seem to be nearly impossible to rinse off completely ( unlike bleach) and can kill fish really fast. Don't use them on Any fish stuff!
Just curiously, what sized tank is it?
Beyond cleaning the tank/etc. he best way to avoid/minimize future deaths is to
a) pick fish that are appropriate to your tank.
b) cycle the tank before adding fish
c) don't overfeed
d) regular water changes.
hope this is helpful.
have fun!
 
Hey :D
you posted while i was typing.
If they had two GF in a ten gallon tank, it wouldnt necessarily have taken anything particularly virulent to kill them. I bet you will be fine.
I always boil used gravel, but thats just me.
I don't honestly know how well alcohol rinses or gasses off.
good luck!
 
I have always bleached the used aquariums i have obtained. the key for me is to rinse, rinse, rinse, and then allwo to air dry. never had a problem. also do it with all ornaments and gravel, then boil bog or rocks briefly.
 
I've bleached my tanks before just make sure to use a dechlorinator after
 
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