Cleaning and storing a 55 gallon aquarium?

Question

What do I use to clean every thing in my 55 gallon aqaurium?, the castles, gravel, 2 bubble air wans, the power filter, plastic plants, all that stuff, and how and where is the best place for storing it?.

Answer 1

Cheaper items like plastic plants and air wands are really not worth trying to store long term in my opinion. The decorations and plastic plants can be cleaned with warm water and a new toothbrush to get the algae and such off. The gravel should just be very well rinsed and allowed to dry completely before storing. The power filter can be cleaned in the same way. The tank should be very well washed and lightly scrubbed with salt on a rag, rinsed and again allowed to completely dry before storage. Wrap any motors (filter, airpump etc) in a seperate bag and seal it against moisture.

I would store everything except the gravel in the tank and cover well with plastic taped down to prevent anything from getting in the tank. The gravel can be stored in a large plastic bucket or two with snap on lids. A good source of these is the food industry. A bakery or pizza shop will probably have some on hand and be willing to sell you a few for next to nothing. As these are food grade they will be safe for the fish stuff too.

Your tank should store well and be ready to use next time you are ready for it.

Hope this helps

MM

Answer 2

i think i read somewhere that you can use bleach if you let it sit for a few days but i dont know and wont try it

i boil the gravel and blanch the plants and decorations the filter i rinse well with hot hot water and same with the tank as storing it goes i guess anywhere that is dry and well ventalated so it dont get mildewy and make sure mice or snakes cant get in it if they do then you cant use it for fish no more at least that is what i was told when thinking about puting an hampster in it they put of some kind of cemical or something that will kill hte fish any way

good luck and have fun

Answer 3

I clean my aquarium with only salt and water. If some water minerals have deposited on the edges or rim, I sprinkle some salt on it and wash until clean. Rinse thoroughly.

I have stored mine wrapped in newspaper and a large cardboard box. Computer stores or TV stores usually have large boxes.
I wrap each small item in paper and put it inside the aquarium.