how to clean 55 gal tank before first use?

[FourFoot12]

Okay, I ordered Aquariums for Dummies from eBay but it hasn't arrived yet. I bought a used 55 gal tank yesterday and would like to clean it up before starting that daunting task of the initial cycling phase. Any recommendations or do you think good ol' windex is just good enough? :o

[kewlkatdady]

no windex...
ever...even on th outside...EVER!!!!!

vingar and water mixture or bleach and water mixture for the initial cleaning...
1:20 mixture...and rinse rinse rinse rinse...

goodluck...

[FourFoot12]

WOW -- thanks, so glad I asked in advance!!

[FishGurl721]

there are also these awesome little whipes you can buy that are made specifically for aquariums, they've got them at Dallas North Aquarium and petsmart. You can use them on the inside and outside. They clean glass really well. Good luck with the cycling! :)

[bra8ndy8]

And a Razorblade!! That does wonders....but don't get close to the silicon!!

[mongo]

Warm water...dissolved rock salt...Mean Green (no soap variety) scouring pad...elbow grease. And like Brandy wrote...razorblade for crusted on stuff...just watch the silicone.

[fishyjoe24]

what ever one else said they beat me to it.

[Goathead]

I have always used "plain salt", and it works well.

[AndrewH]

Mean Green (no soap variety) scouring pad...

I just bought some from my local grocery store for this purpose and didn't realize it until I got them home they now have an "anti-bacterial" agent on them that will kill the fish. I would recommend getting scrubber pads from the LFS (local fish store) or fish section.

[mongo]

I didnt know that, but thanx for the info. I usualy buy from one of the hardware stores like Loewes or Home Depot. They have those green woven scratch pads for sale usualy in the cleaning aisle.

[AndrewH]

Yeah it was news to me also. Says "Now Resists Bacterial Odors!" which means they have an anti-bacteria agent applied and also warns it can scratch glass surfaces (Says "NOT FOR AQUARIUM USE" as well as "Not for glassware, plastic ware, porcelain or polished, brushed or satin finishes").

Think of it like this also... automotive body guys use them to sand down primary before painting a car :D

[fishyjoe24]

Yeah it was news to me also. Says "Now Resists Bacterial Odors!" which means they have an anti-bacteria agent applied and also warns it can scratch glass surfaces (Says "NOT FOR AQUARIUM USE" as well as "Not for glassware, plastic ware, porcelain or polished, brushed or satin finishes").

Think of it like this also... automotive body guys use them to sand down primary before painting a car :D


yup, high psi water guns are like media blasting it take everything off. they can even take paint off of cars so don't use one. mild blech and water mix should do it.