How to clean aquarium

[jcattanach2012]

So my tank has been sitting in storage forever, and I'm just wondering how I might clean it up... can I use a new sponge in there? I'm afraid of the rags because they've been through the wash, and I dunno for sure if there's any washing soap left on them... Paper towels? What if my razor blade has copper in it or its holder? I guess this sounds paranoid, but in my experience/research, you can't be too careful, am I right?
Thanks guys!

 

[jrse7en]

I just pulled out an old 10g from the basement and used a bottle of white vinegar and some lintless shop towels I bought at Lowes. It was pretty nasty.

 

[bulldog123]

Read the package, most say "not for aquarium use". Razor blade, bleach,vinegar and some elbow grease.

 

[mantisman51]

+1 Bulldog. Some folks are afraid of using bleach, but it evaporates and leaves no residual chlorine, if allowed to dry thoroughly. And it has the added benefit of killing any bacteria that might be in there.

 

[jcattanach2012]

Well, I cleaned my 125 by filling it up with tap (needed to anyway for stress test) and dumping a crapload of vinegar in there. Drained it today (long, arduous, craptastic), and am getting the rest with towels... surely there will be some left, though, so is it okay to just let the vinegar evaporate, or do I need to do something else before adding actual ro/di water & life?

 

[dragonzim]

Originally Posted by jcattanach2012
http:///forum/post/3117841
Well, I cleaned my 125 by filling it up with tap (needed to anyway for stress test) and dumping a crapload of vinegar in there. Drained it today (long, arduous, craptastic), and am getting the rest with towels... surely there will be some left, though, so is it okay to just let the vinegar evaporate, or do I need to do something else before adding actual ro/di water & life?
I'd give it a good rinse with some fresh water and let that dry and then you can start adding your RODI water and rock.