What do I use to clean out old FW tank before going to SW?

sco999

sco999

Member
I am getting ready to setup my 40High reef tank. I used it as a FW setup before, and I want to make sure it is good and clean before setting it up for SW. How, and what should I use to clean it out? Vinegar water?
Thanks.
 
trainfever

trainfever

Active Member
Believe it or not, he is not completely wrong in saying bleach although I would use vinegar. As an abrasive, I would use salt if needed. By the way, bleach is actually made from saltwater and when bleach is broken down, it reverts back to being saltwater.
 
mudplayerx

mudplayerx

Active Member
There is nothing wrong with very dilute bleach when cleaning a tank BEFORE any critters are in it. However, you have to rinse that thing religiously. Once you put critters in the tank, never use any commercial cleaning products...just vinegar diluted in water.
 
wax32

wax32

Active Member
Also make sure you are totally SURE you never used any copper based meds in that FW tank. Like ich meds, etc.
 
sco999

sco999

Member
What if I can't remeber? I did use Ick med before, but not sure if it was copper based. Is there a way I can tell if the tank will be ok before I set it up? Like maybe filling it with water then testing for copper. If I did use copper based meds can the tank be cleaned or will I have to use a new one. I really don't want to have to buy a new tank, just because I can't remeber what I used a couple of years ago to treat the ick. What do you all suggest?
Thanks
 
cjason3041

cjason3041

Member
i converted mine... all i did is use a very little bit of dish soap... yes soap, then rinsed it with a lot of hot water, then dumped it in the backyard..... i am using the same filter (canister) and i have had a sucessful sw tank for almost 1 year now!!
 
sco999

sco999

Member
CJason3041,
Did you ever use copper based meds in your FW tank? Also what kind of SW tank are you runnning now? FO, FOWLR, or a Reef?
Thanks
 
nanoreef

nanoreef

Member
use a salt mix water rinse throughly its ok if u used the ick meds there should'nt be any resudeu..?sp
But i would'nt use bleach
 
wax32

wax32

Active Member
The copper leaches into the silicone joints of your tank. At the very least fill it and test for copper.
 
diadema

diadema

Member
I use muraic acid... Basically SUPER strong vinager ;)
FYI - if you do use it be VERY careful, it's not for the faint of heart. The fumes can seriously damage your lungs, nose, throat, etc...
It takes coralline off pretty much instantly... :)
 
sco999

sco999

Member
I think to be on the safe side I will just buy a new tank. There only 70 bucks new.
Good thing I caught this before it was to late!
 
cjason3041

cjason3041

Member
i never used any copper based meds in the tank, and i am running a fowlr... but i have added inverts, and corals... but not many right now
 
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