Cleaning used equipment

[FBNitro]

I picked up my AC110 that I plan to turn into a refuge for my 10 gallon. It's used but in good shape. Anyhow, I used vinegar and water to clean it some, but there's some algae here and there that didn't come out.

Should I use something stronger to try to get rid of that, or does it not really matter? I don't know what the AC110 was used for before, it could have been freshwater for all I know, I forgot to ask when I picked it up.

 

[drillsar]

you can try bleach, just rinse it well.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Use diluted bleach for green algae and straight white vinegar for corraline.

 

[NocturnalReef]

not to beat this post up, but i was always told to NEVER use bleach, soap or windex to clean anything marine... i am wrong with beliving that? i mean i use windex on a cloth and wipe my glass down, but i neve use it or anything like it around my tank or to clean anything. i soley use vinegar.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Don't use any of them near the tank as vapors can travel. Bleach is easily neutralized so its safe as long as you dilute it properly and use only regular strength unscented household bleach.
Keep in mind Clorox is about 5% strength which equates to like 50,000 parts per million. Only use a few caps full or a few spoonfulls in a gallon of water as this is still very potent stuff even at that dilution. Rinse well with clean water when you are done and air dry and its ready to put back into service. Plastics and glass are not porous so bleach rinses off pretty good.

 

[drillsar]

if you have a acrylic tank you cant use bleach I dont think