How do you clean a used aquarium?

mansfieldartguy

AC Members
Jul 31, 2008
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I have been passed down a used 55 gallon aquarium and was wondering what is a safe way to clean? Theres no water stains just dust and some what seems to be grease on one side of it, its the outside not inside that has the grease on the glass please help thanks!
 
White vinegar or bleach followed by massive rinsing.
 
Just a water hose with your thumb over the outlet to make a high pressure jet on the grease, and regular flow for the inside.
 
All of my tanks were used before i got them. I always get a brand new sponge. Make sure it isnt made with any chemicals added to it. Fill up the tank about half way and scrub it down really good. Making sure to get the seems but not trying to hard ( you dont want to rip them ). I do it about 2 times to make sure its good and washed out. Then i had dry and set it up. Hasn't failed me yet. good luck : )
 
Bleach and water. Sometimes a bit of vinegar to get hard water spots. On the out side the same thing but you may have to use some soap there to rmove that grease residue.
 
A single edge razor and a paper towel soaked in vinegar can help take out the stubborn hard water spots. Just rinse before filling with fish.
 
I fill used tanks up on my porch and then add a cup or so of bleach. I leave them sitting there for a week or two to make sure they don't leak. Then I use a Magfloat to clean the insides really well. For the outside I just use Simple Green and some paper towels. Then I drain it and use an old beach towel to dry it really well. Should be all set.

Important thing is to fill it up outside and leave it for a week or so while monitoring the water level to ensure it doesn't have a slow leak. You can use a grease pencil to make the waterline to be 100% sure.
 
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