Cleaning an Old Tank

[fftfk]

Hi -

I have an old tank which is currently empty and has some coraline algae on the back wall. I would like to clean it out so as to get it running again. I was wondering what the best method of cleaning an old tank is? Bleach and water? Vinegar and water?

Anyone have any tricks to getting old caroline off the back wall besides elbow grease? In other words, will any solution make it easier to clean?

Thanks in advance for any responses!

John

 

[fftfk]

Also - the tank is acrylic if that makes a difference.

 

[johnike]

I use Dobie Pads and Original Mr. Clean Magic Erasers on my acrylic.
Vinegar will help you soften things up as well.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Vinegar. No water. Let it soak.

 

[Jetsetter57]

How big is it? You'd spend quite a bit of money filling something completely with vinegar. My 40gal I used 1:5 ratio vinegar to water and rinsed with garden hose then rodi water and the reef/fish are happy.

 

[woodnaquanut]

You'd spend quite a bit of money filling something completely with vinegar.

Well you could fill it but it's easier and uses LOTS less vinegar to just lay it on it's side and put some vinegar in. I've also soaked some paper towels in vinegar to keep it from draining away or evaporating.

 

[Macimage]

I fill up the tank with water from the hose and then add muriatic acid to it. I hold my breath as you don't want to breath the fumes in.

I let it sit out for a day, empty it, rinse it out with the hose and dry it with a towel or leave it in the sun to dry. Use gloves when you empty it.

I also use it (with gloves) to clean all my other equipment such as powerheads. I use a bucket and soak them.

It works great, just be very careful.

 

[fftfk]

Thanks everyone. I think I will go with vinegar...a little nervous about using muriatic acid! The tank is 120 gallons so I'm pretty sure I will be laying it on it's side!

 

[shelby28]

Yea lay it on each side and fill that side with vinager. Not sure where you are located but I buy the vinager in a 2 gallon jug I think its not to expensive I beleive about 3 $ a jugg I get 2 jugs for a bad side and 1 for a not so bad side and just add enough water to cover that panel. On the acyrlic I would stay away from razor blades one slip and yiu have a major scratch.