sterilizing used tank

[Bcsader]

Hey Guys and Gals,
I recently bought a used 150 gallon acrylic aquarium. I am in the process of cleaning it and prepping it to set up as a fowlr tank. I don't know the tanks history but i believe it may have had some kind of critter in it and not fish. What would be a good way to sterilize it and make sure it will be safe for marine life. Thanks



Brian

 

[jformani]

bleech/water solution. just rinse well!

 

[Bcsader]

How much bleach per gallon of water or just spray it down with a spray bottle with the solution. It came with some pumps and clear tubing do i use the same method?

 

[bertoni]

I'd just wipe it down well with some vinegar. That'll remove any traces of copper and medication as well as any dangerous germs.

 

[chuckreef]

one or two cups in a full tank of fresh tap water is more than enough.

 

[lordofthereef]

You aren't going to get close to sterilizing it with any means you have, but you sure can clean it just fine. As said above, bleach or vinegar are great.

 

[wooden_reefer]

You aren't going to get close to sterilizing it with any means you have,

Why?

I think bleach for enough time will sterilize. Just be sure to soak it all, inside and outside. For the outside, you may have to spray bleach solution with an all-plastic garden sprayer.

Kills all.

Bacteria will sure re-populate but there will be a total kill at one instance.

 

[chuckreef]

LordO' is correct. Bleach is a high level disinfectant at best, not a sterilant.
But that's a technical distinction. For reeftank purposes, bleach is good enough.

 

[wooden_reefer]

LordO' is correct. Bleach is a high level disinfectant at best, not a sterilant.
But that's a technical distinction. For reeftank purposes, bleach is good enough.

Bleach at swimming pool level does not kill all, but when more concentrated should.

What is not killed by more concentrated bleach for 4 hours of exposure, say 6% bleach diluted 50 times?

 

[bertoni]

Okay, can we avoid an extended discussion of the definition of "sterilize"? The original question has long been answered.