Need help with deep-cleaning a tank

Hey there!

I just recently bought a 40 gallon fish tank from goodwill and it has some calcium buildup and really bad algae residue. It has not been cycled yet, as I want to focus on getting the grime situation under control. I've never cleaned a tank this bad before, and I don't know how to remove these things. If y'all could recommend some methods and/or products to use, that would be great. This tank is gonna house an Axolotl, if that helps narrow down what I should and shouldn't use to clean it out.

Thanks!

 

I've used rubbing alcohol and a razor blade to remove lots of things from sides of tanks. Might be worth a try.

 

Hey there!

I just recently bought a 40 gallon fish tank from goodwill and it has some calcium buildup and really bad algae residue. It has not been cycled yet, as I want to focus on getting the grime situation under control. I've never cleaned a tank this bad before, and I don't know how to remove these things. If y'all could recommend some methods and/or products to use, that would be great. This tank is gonna house an Axolotl, if that helps narrow down what I should and shouldn't use to clean it out.

Thanks!

Some people will tell you to go with bleach. But I will recommend you to go with hydrogen peroxide. You should be able to find info online on the amount to be used and steps etc... HP will not only disinfect it but get rid of the algae. And it's safer if you are inexperienced.

 

I've done white vinegar. Soaked a paper towel, let it sit on the glass for 5-10 minutes then went at it with a razor blade. Worked great and it just needed a rinse/wipe down afterward. Gave it a final wipe-down with rubbing alcohol to get any leftover debris and it was set.

 

You can fill with water and add some food grade citric acid. Let it soak, wipe and rinse. Works like a champ. Google / search and read about it and how much to use, but this is what I use for reef tanks and how much I mix up depends upon on how nasty things are that need cleaning. I typically use 1/2 cup per gallon max, for pretty nasty stuff. A mild mix and long soak works really well.

 

It's going to really matter if the tank is glass or acrylic on a plan of attack to recondition it and get it cleaned up.
Assuming it's glass the citric acid solution works best and isn't troubling, or no scraping with a razor.
If it's acrylic you can't use and solvents or corrosives. And a lot of times the calcium if it's been there a while, will have etched the glass or acrylic, which would then require resurfacing and polishing to remove the etching.

 

I read that white vinegar is good to get rid of hard water

 

I read that white vinegar is good to get rid of hard water

It's hit or miss, depends on how long it's been there. You can try the soak a paper towel and let it sit on it for 10-20 minutes and see if it will break it down.