Is my cousin's used aquarium rocks, filter, and decor okay to use for a new Goldfish aquarium if..?

Question

Is my cousin's used aquarium rocks, filter, and decor okay to use for a new aqarium if her fish died of a fungus infection? And I think poor water quality was also the cause. These are the only factors as far as I know.

I posted a question on here the other day explaining a dilemma about her killing her fish because of ignorance of their needs. I was unable to save them for her. :( But anyway, her fish died..and she gave me the tank and all of the stuff that was in it.

Is it okay to use it if the cause of death was just a fungus outbreak? Or if we're assuming the worst, how can I safely disinfect the rocks and decor to make it ready for a new tank?

Her tank was freshwater. She also had Goldfish. Thanks for the help! :)

Answer 1

I'm going to disagree here - even if the entire tank & contents dries out, there are algae spores and bacteria that encapsulate that can survive the drying. A mild bleach solution that will cover the gravel left in for about 15 minutes will sterilize everything. Don't leave it in any longer, because it can etch the glass and damage the silicone on the corners. The inside of the filters, uptake tubes, etc. can be placed in the tank during the process (not the motor for a power filter, though, wipe this out with the bleach solution). Be sure to rinse very well, before using. I always add a little extra dechlorinator the first time I fill it up for fish.

Bleach should be mixed around 1 part bleach to 19 parts water, whatever volume you need.

Answer 2

fungal infections are due to poor water quality in the tank, you can reuse the tank and the rocks, but i recommend to only wash the rocks off with warm water in a collander or strainer. DO not use chemicals in the tank or on any rocks or ornaments. Also rinse out the tank with water and go ahead and set it back up. You will need to use a water conditioner to make the water safe for the fish, and let the tank run at least 24 hrs before placing fish ito it, but You will need to do additional research in order to start up your tank. First read up on the cycle of a tank. This is refered to as the "nitrogen cycle" or benefical bacteria cycle. This is a must read before you even think of adding fish. Second you need to find a local petstore to test your water and to gather information on the fish you are wanting to keep. Once you have done this you can take this info to do more research. for example if at the store you see a fish that you really like and the size of the fish is right for your tank you can use the name of the fish preferabley the Latin name to learn about where the fish originally came from and what kind of enviroment it prefers and what fish it is compatible with. Use websites from petsmart and petco, also Fishprofiles.com is helpful to a degree it doesnt have all fish listed . good luck.

Answer 3

HI, get a burlap or mesh bag for the rocks and gravel. Wash them in the sanitize setting of your dish washer. Then rince them as best as you can. For the tank and other items, use anti bacterial dish soap like dawn. Make sure you rince everything completely. The tank will be fine. Fill the tank half way to make sure it does not leak. The caulking in the corners can seperate if it is left empty for too long, then fill the tank completely and let it sit to room temperature over night before you get your fish. When you buy your fish, they will put it in a bag. Let the bag float in the water so the temerature adjusts and the fish will not go into shock when you release it into the tank.
Good luck and have fun

Answer 4

Break everything down and rinse the filter and rock real well in tap water. Let the tank sit outside in direct sunlight for a few days. That will kill anything left in the tank. Should be ok if you keep your water right.

Answer 5

Sure, it's fine to use everything again for new fish once you clean it up. If it's still running, pour a good cup of salt in the tank and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then take everything down, wash it well and your ready to go!

Don't just allow it to dry. Fungus can form cyst-like bodies and survive for years dry. It's too bad you couldn't save the fish, I remember your post about it. I'm sure you tried, but he was in really bad shape.

It is good that you know what it died from though, it allows you to use the right method of cleaning to be sure your new fish will be safe.

MM

Answer 6

She can fill the tank up with water and treat the tank itself for the fungus. Go to your local pet store and get the recommended treatment. Also, let the tank run for about a week or longer before adding any fish, and check the quality of the water before adding fish.

Answer 7

Yes, absolutely. There's all sorts of tricks regarding boiling and bleach, but the fact is anything in the aquarium is water born - let the stuff dry out and it will cause no more harm. Let it dry, rinse it off well, and use it to your hearts content.

Answer 8

yes if it has all dried out its fine, just rinse well, boil what you can, no soap. Bleach ten rinse if you are really picky, then use double strenth declorinator when you do the intial filling.

And not related to this, you should fishless cycle the tank and consult here or even better aquariacentral.com before adding fish

Answer 9

I'd clean everything in mild bleach solution, no soap! I'd toss the gravel. Then replace the media in the filter. Should be fine.

Answer 10

I saw your previous question, and at least those poor things are out of their misery (she needs to not use live animals to test responsibility of her kids -- that's sick!). I would definitely not use soap. It may be safe to use vinegar and then rinse it out and let it dry...