Used Tank Cleaning

[dedex]

What is the best way to clean a tank that was used and in storage for several years. This was a FW tank at one time. What type of cleaners should I use to remove the residue and old general "gunk" that is in the tank to prepare it for conversion and set up that won't affect the setup process?

[Konadog]

Just plain white vinegar works fine. Do you know if the tank was ever treated with copper?

[dedex]

I don't believe so. Someone just used it for a holding tank for goldfish. The person who had it before had a pond that they had goldfish in for the summer, then put them in this tank for the winter months. The way they talked, it was just a place to store the fish until summer came and they could put them outside again.

[goreefer]

Use either vinegar or a duliuted mix of muratic acid and water.
The muratic acid will work much quicker than the vinegar, but both work well.

[wizzbane15]

go with vinegar, it's much easier to use than the acid.

[DrBegalke]

i vote vinegar.

[Mr James]

Ohio State huh?? Did you guys play Michigan yet?? I saw the upset this weekend with Illinois. I am a Mich State fan and want to see anybody beat U of M.

Anyway. Dedex, post the measurements of that tank, it's killing me!!!

[dedex]

36" x 24" x 12"...in my calculations that would be almost 45 gallons...does that seem possible. Maybe it is not a good tank to make a reef tank? I'm to green to know........

[Mr James]

It's better than a 20L, that's for sure...

[dedex]

Was my calculation correct?

[mikemartinez]

Yeah your calculation was correct... 44.9 to be exact in case you wanted to know how close to 45 you are... Here is a good link to use...

http://reefcentral.com/calc/vol.php

[dedex]

So, is this a weird size for a tank?

[dedex]

?

[fishworm]

I havent seen a tank that size before. it's usually 40 long, 40 breeder, and 55. I think someone might make a 50.

never seen a 45.

[Mr James]

Who cares about overall volume. The length is 36" which is most important IME. You start getting odd lenghts and finding a lighting fixture could be difficult. Look at frag tanks, racetracks, and custom jobs. They all have odd sizes. Cubes are a thing now. Half circles and full circles are becoming a thing to. 36" lentgh is good!!

[mikemartinez]

I agree... They sell 36" Light fixtures so it is a standard size... So your good..

[dedex]

Well, I guess that's good then. I just thought that 12" wide was the strange part. Seems a bit slim compared to the other tanks that I've seen. But...we'll make it work. THANKS!

[Mr James]

55g tanks are 12"w too, that's why I despise those tanks. I thought your tank was, from your description, 24"w x 12" tall.

[Radioheadx14]

Originally posted by Mr James
Ohio State huh?? Did you guys play Michigan yet?? I saw the upset this weekend with Illinois. I am a Mich State fan and want to see anybody beat U of M.

Anyway. Dedex, post the measurements of that tank, it's killing me!!!

All i know is if OSU looses this weekend, i will go into a deep depression. we havent had a 2 game loosing streak in years!!! atleast the browns aren't having as bad of a year as the Bengals

[dedex]

Nope, 24" high, 12" wide...I put them in the wrong order I guess....Not a good tank then?????

[Mr James]

Interesting tank to say the least. I don't like those dims and would not set up a reef tank in something like that. But don't get rid of it!!!! Are you interested in buying a different tank?? A 75g is a better choice in my opinion. Then use that 20L as a refugium and the 45g as a sump or something like that. THEN, you'd be set!!

I can help you with all those terms I typed above Val!!

[dedex]

Do you know anyone that has a 75g that is looking to sell?

[Mr James]

I can ask around. Have you looked at the for sale forum I sent you a link for?? Or the local reef forums I sent you links for?? That is where I start. That is how I got my tanks, local sales.