Clean A Used Tank?

I will be getting a used tank tomorrow! I know that I should make sure that it can still hold water and keep it for at least 24 hours (I know someone people wait days as well).

I was just wondering what I can use to clean the tank that won't have lasting affects. From my understanding Windex and dish soap is VERY bad for aquariums. What do you guys use to clean used tanks? I want to get it as clean as I can before letting it set full with water.

 

I got my used tank about 5 days ago. I don't know if this is the 'proper' way... but I just filled it back up the way the guy had it that I got it from. I didn't do any cleaning except wiping the outside and the trying to get rid of the nasty white calcium deposits on the top. Apparently, since I never cleaned the inside of the tank at all... the tank cycled in one day. So, I don't know if people recommend cleaning everything on the inside or not, but I just put it all in use and should be good to go.

Good luck

 

I got my used tank about 5 days ago. I don't know if this is the 'proper' way... but I just filled it back up the way the guy had it that I got it from. I didn't do any cleaning except wiping the outside and the trying to get rid of the nasty white calcium deposits on the top. Apparently, since I never cleaned the inside of the tank at all... the tank cycled in one day. So, I don't know if people recommend cleaning everything on the inside or not, but I just put it all in use and should be good to go.

Good luck

This tank hasn't been used in a few months, so I fear the bacteria that would be beneficial would be dead. Thank you for the information though!

 

I clean with pure bleach (make sure no detergent in it) and sodium bicarbonate (baking sofa). Pour beach (here different people say different values like even up to one part for 10part of water(which for a 20 gallon tank is 4gallon). I never used so much. I usually use 25% or the 1 gallon bottle of beach I buy. That is 0.25gallon bleach for a 20G and 0.5G for a 40Gallon etc.

Scrub using a new brush with bicarbonate acting as slightly abrasive. I use the same technique on outside also. Then rinse it in running water with tank kept veritical or something, using a hose to point a powerful water jet everywhere inside the tank with high force.

Finally let it sit out to totally dry up. And once dried up I rinse one more time before using. I also check whether there is any bleach smell left before establishing the tank.

Works for me perfectly. Every time, considering all of my current 8tanks running are bought second hand.

 

I disinfected mine with bleach. And thoroughly rinsed it with water with lots of prime.

 

I had a question just like this! I'll see if I can send you the link and maybe that will help!

Bleaching My Tank

Here you go! There was some very useful information on here!!!