Best Way To Clean Second Hand Tank

[rowdyates]

Got a small tank from some friends to use as a quarantine tank, they had a couple of goldfish in it which I believe didn't last too long and were poorly, not sure what the problem was, over 12 months ago. Anyway before I use the tank I guess I need to clean it, should I just wipe it out or would I need to disinfect it, if so what with. I've still got some ammonia left from my fishless cycle can I use that to clean it?

Cheers,

Keith

 

[daklinz112588]

yea clean the tank and uhh idk how many G or Li ur tank is but if it is small i would leave a 1/4 somewhare clean the inside with windex or somthing wash out good with water so u dont have any windex soap or ammonia in there and then pour ur 1/4 back in and then add the rest so u still have cycled water

 

[nino]

yea clean the tank and uhh idk how many G or Li ur tank is but if it is small i would leave a 1/4 somewhare clean the inside with windex or somthing wash out good with water so u dont have any windex soap or ammonia in there and then pour ur 1/4 back in and then add the rest so u still have cycled water

I wouldn't use Windex or any harsh chemicals like that. What I used was vinegar, it worked well to get off all the mineral deposits and is also pretty acidic which makes it effective as an anti-bacterial. In case you already have used something like Windex or soap, be sure to rinse out really really well. People have had there fish die from the outside of the tank being Windexed, so imagine how bad residues on the inside would be!

 

[SkiFletch]

I agree, warm water, vinegar, and a dish scrub pad should be all you need. If its 12 months old, there probably isnt anything left alive in it, you should be good.

 

[BigC]

Warm water and a strong saline solution (Cooking Salt)

 

[WILDER]

I would go with warm water and lots of salt, rinse well, and leave to dry out for aday.

 

[debiasir]

yeah boiling water and a salt solution.

 

[Tolak]

Vinegar will clean off lime deposits from hard water. A solution of 1 part bleach to 20 parts water will kill bacteria & viruses. Sno-Bowl toilet bowl cleaner will remove the nastiest stuff off of horribly algae encrusted left to dry tanks. I've used all of these at one time or another, just rinse real good after cleaning.

Tolak

 

[kat and james]

um.. i wouldnt' use boiling water in your glass tank!!! i think that the heat could cause the tank to crack!!

 

[emma12321]

I've cleaned mine in the past with a mixture of salt and white vinegar then left it outside to dry. If you use a dishwashing sponge, make sure it doesn't have soap in it.

Emma