Best way to completely clean full setup before tank restart?

ojonas81 · 02/11/2019, 09:16 AM

Not sure if you read my build thread but due to some issues I will have to temporarily break down the whole setup and restart it from scratch again. As much as a pain that will be, I see it as an opportunity to do things differently this time around. In order to do so I would like to start with as clean of a sheet as possible.

So, what is the best way to do a complete system cleaning? I want to remove all coraline growing on the glass and other areas it shouldn't be at. I am thinking of running water and vinegar only through the whole system for x days. Is that a good idea or are there any better?

The tank is a 150 gallon tank.

d0ughb0y · 02/11/2019, 09:43 AM

I used 1 gallon vinegar + tap water on a 60 gallon. Just ran overnight with powerheads at full speed. The next day the coraline flakes on tank came off very easily using a scraper. 2-3 gallons vinegar on your 150 should be enough.

Sugar Magnolia · 02/12/2019, 08:17 AM

I agree with the above. Vinegar loosens the coraline so it's easy to scrape off.

ojonas81 · 02/12/2019, 08:50 AM

Thanks!

Once done, how much of a rinse would be needed to get enough of the vinegar out before the tank is ready for saltwater and livestock again?

mcgyvr · 02/12/2019, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ojonas81

Thanks!

Once done, how much of a rinse would be needed to get enough of the vinegar out before the tank is ready for saltwater and livestock again?

None really..
Vinegar is commonly added to peoples tanks for carbon dosing,etc...
Its harmless basically..

mcgyvr · 02/12/2019, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ojonas81

Thanks!

Once done, how much of a rinse would be needed to get enough of the vinegar out before the tank is ready for saltwater and livestock again?

None really..
Vinegar is commonly added to peoples tanks for carbon dosing,etc...
Its harmless basically..

I use straight vinegar to clean the glass,etc... No "rinsing" required at all..

lolgranny · 02/12/2019, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

None really..

Vinegar is commonly added to peoples tanks for carbon dosing,etc...

Its harmless basically..

This

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ojonas81 · 02/13/2019, 01:09 PM

Thank you again for the answers.

02/11/2019, 09:16 AM	#1
ojonas81 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,160	Best way to completely clean full setup before tank restart? Not sure if you read my build thread but due to some issues I will have to temporarily break down the whole setup and restart it from scratch again. As much as a pain that will be, I see it as an opportunity to do things differently this time around. In order to do so I would like to start with as clean of a sheet as possible. So, what is the best way to do a complete system cleaning? I want to remove all coraline growing on the glass and other areas it shouldn't be at. I am thinking of running water and vinegar only through the whole system for x days. Is that a good idea or are there any better? The tank is a 150 gallon tank.

02/12/2019, 08:17 AM	#3
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	I agree with the above. Vinegar loosens the coraline so it's easy to scrape off. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

02/11/2019, 09:43 AM	#2
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	I used 1 gallon vinegar + tap water on a 60 gallon. Just ran overnight with powerheads at full speed. The next day the coraline flakes on tank came off very easily using a scraper. 2-3 gallons vinegar on your 150 should be enough.

02/12/2019, 08:50 AM	#4
ojonas81 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,160	Thanks! Once done, how much of a rinse would be needed to get enough of the vinegar out before the tank is ready for saltwater and livestock again?

02/13/2019, 01:09 PM	#8
ojonas81 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,160	Thank you again for the answers.