Waz

I'm thinking of using an old aquarium I have to actually hold fish! It was previously used for housing rats, and I was wondering what the best way to sanitize this tank is. Thanks

Tom

The way I cleaned my tanks that held stuff previously is with vinegar and water. What ever you do, don't use any ammonia based products because they will screw up your tank for a little while after being set up.
Tom

susitna-flower

* You can use a number of things to clean it.* Even bleach, but just remember the health of your fish depends on you rinsing VERY well.* How large is the tank?* The bigger it is the harder it is to clean, and if you use something that could hurt the fish, the harder it will be to rinse it enough.* *So something like vinegar will help you, but not necessarily disinfect 100%.* Though on thinking about it you probably don't have to worry about your fish catching anything from rats, and all you are wanting to do is clean out any urine, which the vinegar should do.* :

* *Are you sure all the seals are holding?* Often old tanks used for something else besides fish have problems with the sealant.* Fill your tank somewhere you can check this without leaking all over your house, before you set it up in its permanent home.* Best of Luck!

Fish in the Frozen North.* -5F this morning.* *8)

Butterfly

When I get a tank that has been used previously I put it outside in the yard and fill it with water and add bleach, then cover(so nothing can drink the water. I usually leave it over night then rinse it with the water hose very thoroughly. then refill with water and add enough dechlor for that amount of water and then add extra and allow to sit over night and then its ready to use
Carol

Waz

It's only 30 gallons, and I've hauled it into my guest bathroom tub. I'm checking for leaks tonight, and everything seems fine. I think before I got it, it held a turtle.

Some of the caulking along the seams of the glass is peeling. Is there any way to repair that?

susitna-flower

Gargoyle

Thanks for the topic and info....

I have a 29 that was used to hold a turtle and I was planning on using it for schooling fish now that the turtle has moved on to better accommodation's.

Although the 29 has a few chips taken out of the glass in the corners I think it should be alright.. Maybe a leak test would be a good idea...