Cleaning an old small aquarium. People tell me not to use bleach or any soap. Can I use white vinegar?

Question

New to aquariums as well. It has a florecent bulb in the hood, a heater that looks like a tube to put in the water .. and the filter looks broken, so I will be getting a new one alone with water conditioner, as I have chlorinated city water. Any other tips?

Answer 1

Vinegar is good choice, especially if the tank has any hard water deposits. You can also use salt as a scrub on difficult spots.

Actually, bleach isn't bad if it's used properly. I formerly taught at a university, and all tanks were cleaned with bleach between uses, and we never lost fish from tanks that were cleaned this way. Unless you know the history of the tank (that the fish didn't die of disease or there weren't any algae problems) it's the safest for preventing these initially. Bacteria and algae can form capsules around themselves and this protects them from changes in pH, temperature, etc. until they're wet again and the capsule breaks down. Bleach is a strong enough base that it can break through the capsule and kill them. You only need around a 5% bleach solution to do this - 1 part bleach to 19 parts water. You can spray this on the tank walls (make sure to get under the top rim as well) or fill the tank and let all the equipment that will be in the water soak (if your heater is the type that hangs on the rim, do this, don't let the top get underwater) for 15 minutes (too long can damage the silicone seal, but 10-15 minutes is what's needed for sterilization), then rinse very well. If you plant to fill the tank right away, add a few extra drops of dechlorinator.

If you haven't checked the tank for leaks, I'd do that outside and fill the tank and let it sit for a day before doing any cleaning.

Some general fishkeeping websites with tips: http://www.fishlore.com/
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/
http://www.aquatic-hobbyist.com/

Answer 2

Do not use soap of any kind, it is almost impossible to rinse it all out of the tank and is very bad for fish. Vinegar is good, as is a paste of salt (just a little water) on a paper towel to scrub. The salt acts as an abrasive, but doesn't scratch the glass. Rinse well, but even if some salt remains, it is OK. A little salt does no harm to fish.

You could even use bleach (I know everyone says not to) as I do to disinfect a tank if you know that there has been a disease in it before you got it. Just remember, bleach is chlorine and to use a dechlorinator at double or triple strength at least 2-3 rinses in a row.

Here is a site that will help you get started, they have lots of great info here:

http://freshaquarium.about.com/

Almost anything you can ask is answered here. Start with setting up and cycling a tank.
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Answer 3

You actually can use bleach.You just have to rinse thoroughly,and let the tank sit for a few days.Then,when you fill it,put a little extra dechlorinator(Stress Coat is good) in the water and let the filter run for a few days before you add any fish.Another good product to use is called Cycle.It balances the good bacteria in your water,making it safe for the fish.

Answer 4

id say the vinegar and salt would be fine, ive heard bleach is ok, but im too much of a weenie to use it on mine lol. just use a new sponge and scrub away. as for a filter the biowheels are great little filters and tetras are good beginner fish

Answer 5

Vinegar is really good to clean your aquarium with. I wouldn't use soap or bleach. :)

Answer 6

Using bleach will be fine. If you are using a glass tank, you can use a metal scrub. They will not scratch your glass and I am sure they will be more effective than using salt.

Answer 7

Yes as long as you wash it out very good because you know vinegar is a disinfect

Answer 8

do not use soap, viniger should be fine, rinse it very well.

Answer 9

u can use soap but you have to rinse it out completely and let it air dry for an extra measure