View Full Version : What is the best method to clean a used tank?
Thinslis
08/04/2007, 04:59 AM
What is the best method to clean this?
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l112/pokinu_EQ/New%20Tank%20Build/DSCN0478.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l112/pokinu_EQ/New%20Tank%20Build/DSCN0484.jpg
Thanks!
Dubbin1
08/04/2007, 05:42 AM
Soak it in vinegar and water.
Thinslis
08/04/2007, 06:05 AM
After soaking should I be able to just wipe it down or will it still need some agressive rubbing / light scraping?
lesages
08/04/2007, 06:54 AM
I used a razor blade scraper on my glass yesterday, made it quick and easy. I wouldn't recommend using one on acrylic though.
reefnetworth
08/04/2007, 07:26 AM
bleach: 1 cup per gallon of total water volume. empty and rinse until bleach smell is completely gone. usually in a couple of minutes. vinegar is 5% acidic but it doesnt kill all bacteria such as bleach will.
JDM :cool:
If you use bleach, I'd use Prime to neutralize the bleach.
I tend to use vinegar if I trust the source: it specifically dissolves the 'lime' deposits---calcium carbonate---and gets rid of the caky nastiness; bleach is better at getting lingering organisms; both are good cleaners.
Thinslis
08/04/2007, 08:26 AM
I think I'm going to try the vinigar water first. I'm not a big fan of bleach.
kathainbowen
08/04/2007, 09:03 AM
Vinegar and a razor blade (if it's a glass tank- if not, Kent makes Pro Scapers that are acrylic safe, or you can find acrylic safe scrub pads from Aquarium Pharmaceuticals if you don't like the cost of Pro Scrapers), followed by a good water test to make sure that everything's in good order BEFORE you install and fill it up in your house!
kevin2000
08/04/2007, 09:55 AM
Vinegar/Water ... or if your lazy you can take the tank outside and let it sit overnight in a mixture of water with a bit of muratic acid .. will disolve all of the crusty calcium deposits.
Bleach is good for cleaning/sterilizing .. but doesn't impact the calcium deposits.
Thinslis
08/04/2007, 11:14 AM
Does Muratic acid effect plastic? Is it going to eat my overflows?
Thinslis
08/04/2007, 03:18 PM
I got all the glass clean with the vingar water and a razor blade. However the plastic overflows are still coated with the coraline alge. My gut tells me to clean everything... should I use something more abrasive to clean the plastic?
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