Can a fish tank be reused if the fish that occupied it before had a fungus or ick or some other fish related problem? Im asking because a friend of mine had a fish that just died and she wants to reuse her tank , filter, and heater thats already in there for a new fish she will get in the future...and she doesnt want to have to rebuy a whole system.. i dont exactly remember what illness the fish had...but i will update as soon as i get more info..
2006-12-02 16:45:32 · 6 answers · asked by neverendingstars 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Certainly, the tank can be reused. She should clean it with a water and vinegar (1:1 is a fine ratio), and/or salted water, and let it dry for a week to kill of any parasites or what-have-you that might be left.
She should also purchase a new filter cartridge, although letting her original dry out would probably be fine.
Please don't forget that the tank needs to be cycled again:
http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/article2.php
And that weekly water changes of 20-40% are essential to keep fish healthy.
I can't presume to know why her original fish died, but keeping the water as clean as possible is the best way to stop fish from catching diseases or developing fungus.
2006-12-02 16:49:36 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course she can reuse the tank. Set it up as if you were going to put fish in it (but don't) and put a cup of bleach in for every ten gallons of water. Let it set with the heater (do not plug in yet) in it and the filter running for 12 hours.
Then you must drain it and refill it at least 3 times, each time adding the dechlorinating drops (helps take out the chlorine bleach). Leave the filter running for about an hour during each drain and refill. After the third time, when it is empty, use a paper towel with a paste of salt on it to wipe down all the sides and the bottom. Rinse it out and you are ready to refill and start the cycling in. A little salt residue will not harm the tank or any fish you put in later.
If you are interested in how to cycle a tank, email me and I can help you with that. Sometimes it can be difficult if you don't know exactly what to do.
2006-12-03 01:06:29 · answer #2 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Use bleach to kill all bacteria and rinse a number of times. Let set for at least a week to let all chlorine dissipate
2006-12-03 11:29:17 · answer #3 · answered by Larry m 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes she can! Use bleach and clean everything good and rinse with water so no more bleach is left and you have nothing to worry about!!!!!!!!
2006-12-03 09:41:31 · answer #4 · answered by angelmwilson 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can be used. There is a way to treat it with bleach, but the pet store should be able to tell her how to "cure" it.
2006-12-03 00:49:42 · answer #5 · answered by busybody12 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can be used again...just wash it out with vinegar and dry it (don't use soap of any kind)
2006-12-03 00:53:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋