Cleaning dry tanks

[zeblisik]

I just finished(i think) building a 4 tank system, I've filled these things up and drained and dried many times over the past month. I tried using an old HOB filter to mechanically filter the water(some small plastic, acrilic, silicone shavings) but sadly it seems the filter did that but left some scummy substance in the tanks, bacterial growth and what not........ and theres dust and what not aswell that was never removed.

so how should i clean these tanks? wet paper towels?
or do i even need to clean it?

 

[Amphiprion]

Maybe some wet paper towels and vinegar. Any bacterial films can be dissolved with a mild bleach solution.

 

[zeblisik]

yikes... id like to stay away from bleach.

i wonder if when i fill it w/ saltwater, wont it kill any freshwater bacteria?

 

[Amphiprion]

Why do you want to stay away from bleach? If it is rinsed well, there is no problem. I have used bleach for a long time--as long as it isn't porous, then you will not really have much of a problem.

 

[zeblisik]

my reason is just about my laziness. I dont want to take each tank into the bathtub. there's 4 tanks in a 90 gal system, all plumbed together.

I guess I dont feel comfortable w/ my ability to rinse out the tanks effectively without taking them to the tub. unfortunetly I'm in an appartment without a yard.

 

[Amphiprion]

Ah, I see. Well, just a water/vinegar solution and good paper toweling should take care of the job.

 

[zeblisik]

Amphiprion,

how much different are seahorse tanks from a reef? I've read they need cooler temps and less waterflow.

I was contemplating putting some in a tank attached to my main system but if they must have cooler temps.... I plan on having temps around 78-80

 

[Amphiprion]

Not necessarily and not necessarily.
I think that most people keep temps lower in order to slow their already high metabolisms down and possibly lower the growth/chances of growth for pathogenic bacteria. Less waterflow is preferable in that it allows them a bit more motility. However, you shouldn't sacrifice too much flow--just make sure it is gentle and there is plenty of it. The temps you have are fine. My only recommendation is to keep water quality high, keep them well fed, tank clean, and have any emergency meds on hand before you even get them.

 

[zeblisik]

What kind of medications are common in seahorse husbandry? Or can you recommend any books on the subject? (or would internet research be sufficient?)

I've had very sick betas before but I've never actually treated any aquarium animals with medication.