Second-hand tank OK to use?

[Ms.Bubbles]

Hi,

I am soon to receive a second-hand aquarium & am not sure how it was cleaned out by the previous owner. If soap was used to clean it out, is it still safe? What should I do to the tank before using it?

 

[OrionGirl]

Fill with hotwater, add appropriate amount of oxiclean. Let sit 20-30 minutes, scrub any place that looks suspicious (clean, untreated, fish only sponge, tank scrubber, etc). Rinse well. Sparkly new and safe.

 

[Ms.Bubbles]

Not familiar with oxiclean...where do I buy it?

 

[OrionGirl]

Hmmm..It's a dry cleaning product. Not sure if there's a Canadian counterpart, though I imagine there is...Here's a link: http://www.ascleanedontv.com/oxyclean.html

Locally, it's found in with laundry detergents.

 

[Ms.Bubbles]

Thanks. I'll go look for it

 

[tricksterpup]

Yep, OG is a 100% right, this is the best way to clean a tank.
About 79 I picked up a used 30 gallon tank, got the stand, hood and everything i needed for that tank. I had it all through college, it was a salt water and freshwater multiple times. I moved here to Minneapolis in 97 and gave it to my nephew who is still using the tank today. Treat the tank well and it will treat you for years to come.
Actually out of my 15 + tanks at home, only 3 were purchased new by me, everything else I got bought second hand and never had a problem with any of them.