Habitat - Indoor :: cleaning a used tank

[zipattidoda]

Hi, it's me again, I am so excited, I found a 150 gal tank for dirt cheap on craigslist, but it was used as a salt water fish tank. I need to clean it out really good and need some suggestion on how to do this. Also scored a fluval fx5 on ebay new. I really would like to get Mo, Larry and Curly in their new home asap. From what I can see there is some salt deposts on the glass. I want to clean it properly so as not to make them sick. Thanks

[TheComputerGremlin]

Wow, congrats!! The salt deposits should be able to be scrubbed off with a lot of water and some elbow grease. After you get them scrubbed off, you can use a dilute bleach solution to clean it out and just make sure you let the tank AIR DRY for at least 24 hours after all of the bleach solution has been patted dry with a towel. Or you can try a vinegar solution, but since it was used, I would do a bleach wash instead.

[Swaypippin]

I would use a razor blade to clean off the salt and/or any algea. Salt water is bad for red/brown algea. It's not dangerous, it just looks nasty.

you could use a water and soap solution to clean it with just make double sure you get all of the soap out when you rinse.

Or you could use bleach and water. But this one really is important to rince thoroughly. If you do this, rince with water once or twice, then you can use a mixture of plain old vinegar and water to neutralize any bleach that may be left over. The vinegar won't hurt the turts.

Hope I helped.

[Bumby's Mom]

NOOOOOOO to vinegar + bleach! That causes a toxic gas that can make humans very sick. If you put bleach in that tank absolutely do not put vinegar in thre afterwards. You can use a dechlorinator to make sure all the bleach has been removed.

[Swaypippin]

Hm, I've never heard that about vinegar and bleach.
I know if you mix bleach with amonia then that toxic gas will be made and that is dangerous..
We used bleach water solution to clean the tanks in the pet store I worked in then neutralized it with vinegar and water.
Hm, you hear something new everyday.

[mikee]

zip-do-da -- The salt will not hurt your turtles. I add a little salt to help with the algae and thier health. I use very little and you have to be careful with it.

[zipattidoda]

thank you all for the info on how to clean the tank. I know I have a big job ahead of me. I can't wait to get started. thanks again

[steve]

When cleaning with vinegar or bleach, please work in a well ventialted area. If you do use bleach (I never have), make sure it is diluted.

"2 oz. of bleach to one gallon of water can be used to create a solution of approximately 1.5% bleach. Afterward rinse well with clean water repeatedly and allow the object(s) to air dry for at least 24 hours or longer. This allows for fumes and chlorine to dissipate."

Also, check the seams of the tank and make sure the silicone is in good shape. It's easy to repair if there are problems, so check it out while cleaning.