Best way to clean a tank before using?

DamnPepShrimp

DamnPepShrimp

Moved On
Ok, I am in dire need of a bigger sump. I added 75lbs of rock (got it cheap from a local reefer getting out of the hobby, couldn't pass up) to my tank (6ft 110g w/30g sump) which already has about 300lbs of liverock! So needless to say, I ran out of room in the sump and began placing rocks all over the display. So I have a 55g that I could use, but I have a problem, it's really dirty! It used to house reptiles (alligators to be exact) and it was used as a QT tank at one point I believe. But can't I give it a good cleaning with clear/white vinegar or something of the like to get it like new again? I don't need it to look good, just function, I need a 55g sump asap today! Please let me know what to clean it with to fully cure it of anything bad it might have, thanks.
 
It will get it pretty well clean. You could use water and a little bleach to clean it and rinse, rinse, rinse really good and then rinse some more. If the tank was ever treated with copper while setup you may have problems, Ive heard the silicone soaks that up and the only way to get rid of it is to reseal the tank.
 
I don't think it was treated with copper, but I really don't know. It was treated with other treatments. Would it soak up enough copper to pose a threat though? My water volume will be over 150g and I have about 400lbs of liverock. I thought the copper levels had to be at a certain point to be effective, otherwise it's pointless?
 
Ok, well I got the tank, it's in the bathtub right now. I think my brothers cat might have peed in it too on top of everything else. I have a huge bottle of white distilled vinegar, hopefully all goes well. Any more suggestions before I switch it out with my 30g sump?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11884849#post11884849 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DamnPepShrimp
I don't think it was treated with copper, but I really don't know. It was treated with other treatments. Would it soak up enough copper to pose a threat though? My water volume will be over 150g and I have about 400lbs of liverock. I thought the copper levels had to be at a certain point to be effective, otherwise it's pointless?
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Im not sure about the levels and how much harm it can cause. If it was a reptile tank im sure your ok.
Good luck.
 
I can't risk it. The tank is disgusting, and I am too afraid all my hard work with this reef will jsut get wiped out before my eyes. I'd rather get another 55g tank and be on the safe side. Thanks.
 
Just pour in a gallon of basic chlorine bleach, fill the rest with water, and let it sit for a day or so. You can use dechlor to get rid of the bleach, just overdose on it. You can also just let it air dry, the chlorine will evaporate. The cat pee is just ammonia, I wouldn't worry about it at all.
 
Also, for abrasive power you can use some Tropic Marin or Reef Crystals or any other aquarium salt to scrub with using a paper towel or something like that.
 
Do u really think I can save the tank? If I soak it in bleach for a couple of days, what dechlor do u buy and where? Do I still have to scrub it all out? Or just wash it out? I'm so worried something will go wrong and my reef will go down the drain.
 
wash it out with bleach let it air dry then use a small amount of non bacterial soap (dawn) rinse really well then use the vinegar and water. I did this to a 75 i bought about 2 yrs ago. Tank is still up and running to this day and doing exremely well.
Tracy
Oh yeah its my display tank not a sump
 
How bad was the 75? My brother swears this tank killed his fish, but I think its because he added treatments (nitrofurazone) to the tank with LR and LS in it, killing everything. I'm just have this feeling its going to caslise my tank to crash, just when it us starting to get good.
 
It was a saltwater tanks that was broken down. Had alot of coraline algea on it as well as salt creep. It wasnt a 30 min job to clean i can promise you that. Lots and lotss of elbow grease was involved. If your nervous about it set it up with a small amount of live sand finish outwith argonite sand from HD or Lowes a few small pieces of LR and run it and let it cycle. Do checks for things and see if anything stays high after 4 or 5 weeks. It might cost you a lil money for the salt and sand but its a way to test it.
Tracy
 
The thing is I dont have 5 weeks, I need a bigger sump asap. I just added a lot of rock and it would only fit in my display,so its messing up my flow and the display. I'm going to try and find a clean used tank, or buy a new $120 one. This isnt fun!
 
One more thing you might do is post this in the advanced topics section or the or the reef chemistry forum. theres guys in there that can tell you more about the make up of that chemical and what its effects will be on it. I hate to tell you NP use it and forget about and then it destroy your new tank. At the same time i hate to see you have to buy another tank. You could check craigslist for a used tank and take your chances with another used tank.
Tracy
 
Yeah, its a toss up. I have been checking local forums and craigslist, but you never know with those tanks either. I really wish petco was having their $1 gallon sale, otherwise it's $120! I think your right with the die off, it was the LR and LS dying which spiked the tank. I don't know the history of this 55g though prior to have gators in it. It was used before we got it. I may just have to spend the extra money for peace of mind.
 
Try the chemicals forum here theres some VERY knowledgable chemists on here Randyestacy for one and theres a few more on here that are chemists by trade. Give it a shot tonight and hopefully they can tell you more on it.
 
I'll try it, the only problem is I have no clue exactly what chemicals were in the tank. It was used pretty heavily long before I got ahold of it. So there's no way to tell if its reef safe without setting it up.
 
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