What's best way to clean an old tank?

[Lou Young]

I recently got a free tank from a local and it's really dirty. I was told to use bleach and then rinse with vinegar and then let air dry. Does that sound right? What do you all do to clean a dirty tank?

 

[MondoBongo]

that's exactly what i do.

a little vinegar and some gentle scrubbing to coax free any calcium carbonate deposits (be mindful not to hurt the seals).

then a leak test with a little bleach water, and then drain, rinse well, and let air dry.

 

[iluvmyfishes]

Yes that sounds right, but I usually just use plain water, if I have to use chlorine on the tank or if I bleach my rocks, I just add a shot of Prime to the tank when I fill it up.

 

[PsychoticBeauty]

I would just use the vinegar, but this needs to soak for awhile to really break up the calcium deposits and stuff. After a little scrubbing & a good rinse you should be set.

 

[lacybiker2000]

I wouldn't use bleach or anything with high chlorine...there is a large chance you don't get it all out.