Question: How to clean a pre-owned tank?

[Sara88]

I've recently brought a used glass tank for an axolotl.
The last owner of the tank used it for fish.

How do I clean it to ensure there isn't any bacteria left for when I cycle it for my axolotl?
Would a hot water scrub be sufficient? Am just weary of using cleaning products on it...

What would be best?


Thanks!

 

[michael]

Dilute chlorine bleach (chlorox?). Rinse it and dechlorinate it.

 

[Abrahm]

Remove any large debris by rinsing it out thoroughly. Use a razor blade and lemon juice to remove any built up lime scale.

If you want to really disinfect it you will want to use a 1:10 dilution of household bleach, like Michael recommended or spray it with both household hydrogen peroxide and household vinegar. Don't mix the vinegar and peroxide before hand. Spray each individually on the surface and let is mix there. If you use bleach or the vinegar and peroxide let the spray sit on the glass for twenty minutes or so. Rinse thoroughly and you are ready to go.

I'd recommend the peroxide and vinegar solution myself. It is supposed to be very effective and is quite safe compared to bleach.

 

[dianabee]

I've always used the vinegar and peroxide method that Abrahm described.

 

[Sara88]

Thanks for those suggestions.
What brands can you buy hydrogen peroxide in? I've never heard of it (probably is something I use all the time lol)

 

[dianabee]

I'm not sure of any particular brands, but hydrogen peroxide is a common first aid item, used for disinfecting cuts, etc. It normally comes in a brown bottle, and you can find it in any drug store or supermarket. Hope that's helpful!

 

[Abrahm]

Yeah, it comes in a brown bottle and can be found near the rubbing alcohol at a drug store. It's considered a topical disinfectant.

The brown bottle is important as hydrogen peroxide will break down if it is exposed to light or air for too long. Make sure to keep the bottle in a cool, dark place and keep tightly sealed when it is not in use.

 

[Sara88]

Thanks for all your help!

I did the peroxide & vinegar method, looks good