Best cleaning method

[buddhafish]

So I just purchased a used 180 gal aquarium set up. All I have to do is bring the life stock and live rock to a LFS (I will start over fresh with dry rock, and hope to get credit for the livestock). I am going to empty the tank because I would like to start fresh. I will be using mostly new equipment, but I have a contamination question. Since I would like to start fresh, what is the best method to clean and avoid contamination from the previous set up?

 

[downbeach]

I would fill it to check for any leaks, and use some bleach to sanitize it, empty it, and then I'd refill it and do an acid wash if it needs cleaning, i.e. dead coraline, etc.

 

[buddhafish]

It was full when I went to look at it, and I didn't notice any cracks/leaks. It has some coralline on the back glass that I would like to get rid of. Could you describe the acid bath?

 

[buddhafish]

Should I plan to leave it fallow for a period just to be safe? Maybe I'm just being OCD, but I would hate to have to do so later on.

 

[downbeach]

If its been moved, I'd check it for leaks. I would go to Lowes and get some muriatic acid, get the gloves they sell near the acid. Fill the tank, pour in one gallon of the acid, add a couple PH's and observe. The amount of acid you use will depend on how much calcium build up has occurred, if one gallon isn't enough add another. You should do this in a well ventilated area, and have some baking soda on hand to neutralize any remaining acid once the cleaning is done. Another method would be to lay the tank on the side that needs cleaning, slightly elevating the top, and pour full strength vinegar into the tank until it reaches the top, and allow it to sit. Does the tank have internal overflows?

 

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

I prefer to play it safe and use vinegar. Its not that hard to clean an empty tank. Good luck...

 

[Ron Reefman]

I prefer to play it safe and use vinegar. Its not that hard to clean an empty tank. Good luck...

Agree 100%. It's easy and safe!

 

[Mark9]

I'd use vinegar in the tank, not acid.

 

[ericarenee]

+3 in vinegar....
But will add if its Glass tank . With i assume it is . Good Sharp razor blade will scrape all that Build up off in less then 30 minutes.....Just make sure to keep the area wet as you scrape . This is how i clean it off the front of my Display and and Fuge...

 

[buddhafish]

Thanks for the replies guys

 

[Sk8r]

White vinegar dissolves mineral deposit: use it straight if possible, run it through equipment, harmless to marine life, sometimes added to tanks by the teaspoon per 50 gal, so safer than bleach.

 

[KingTriton1]

i would fill it to check for any leaks, and use some bleach to sanitize it, empty it, and then i'd refill it and do an acid wash if it needs cleaning, i.e. Dead coraline, etc.

+1

 

[Yellow Eyes]

While using the vinegar to clean *should* assist in sterilizing the tank in terms of parasites, if you want to be even more safe you should let the tank sit dry (make sure it is actually dry, any moisture/residues is not dry) for a week or so. This should help kill off any other parasites.

Then when you get started you could run polyfilter or chemipure (I am not sure which one removes contaminates like copper...i'm sure someone here knows?) During the cycle/before you add fish/inverts/corals.