Is my tank safe?

Industrial

Industrial

AC Members
Oct 29, 2009
473
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0
Buffalo, NY
Recently I bought a used 2 1/2 gallon (bowfront style) intended for BS or possibly a betta. The tank I found out had some wierd looking stuff on the bottom. Like old dried leaf pieces. I tried as hard as possible to clean it off but it didn't come clean and I eventually dumped diluted bleach (now I find out it had cleaner stuff in it too) into the tank to ensure whatever it was, it was not alive. I rinsed the tanks many times and I have been putting new dirty fish water in it every week for the entire week.

I would like to know if this tank is safe. I don't want to get feeder guppies because if it's not safe they die and if it is safe I am stuck with them. Is there anyway I can get quick algae growth in it or something to let me know if it's okay or not?

Also, I got a 5 gallon hex. It had toads in it from the previous owner so I washed it (with dish soap). It has been empty for months. It's usually dry 1-2 days a week and filled with hot water for the other 5-6 days. I rinsed it dozens of times since then and I also put it in a bucket with hot water for a few days. Would you think the tank is safe now?
 
I'm just a beginner in the aquarium hobby, but why don't you try to cycle the tanks and see what the water params do?
 
In the future, skip cleaning any tank with soap. After all you have done, I would think they are safe.
 
In the future try adding a good handful of salt and adding just enough water to make a thick paste. Use this to scrub and sanitize at the same time. It rinses away better than soap and if a bit remains it's not a problem, unlike soap.
 
The other option is OxyClean. It turns into simple hydrogen peroxide and rinses easily. I have not yet tried it, but PufferPunk (extremely knowledgeable and experienced) has used this many times and has had no problems with it. The next time I get a used tank, that's what I will use. There is a new version, I guess, which may or may not be safe to use, but the original Oxy Clean is very safe.

The other thing I use is vinegar. Works great for mineral deposits. Soak and sit and wipes off easily (usually, lol).
 
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