Cleaning a used tank

[adawson23]

Okay all, here is a sneak peek of the new (to me) tank. It was originally a saltwater tank. I’m needing some advice on the best way to clean it. I’ve heard water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. My plan was to take the hose and wash everything loose to one end of the tank and very carefully use my wet vac to suck all of it out. My original plan was to fill up the tank, add 2 or 3 gallons of white vinegar toss in 3-4 power heads and wait a day or two. Then drain the tank and with a microfiber towel and a spray bottle start wiping.

What is your all thoughts, experiences or suggestions.

After this I will be sanding, buffing and polishing if needed.

 

[AJsReef]

A vinegar bath should definitely help dissolve/loosen any build up. Anything vinegar doesn’t get citric acid could be worth a try.

I’d be careful letting vinegar soak that long. Overnight should be enough.

 

[adawson23]

Okay so maybe 10 to 12 hours then drain and rinse?

 

[adawson23]

What would be the best citric acid to use?

 

[jazzfisher]

Can’t say it’s the best because I haven’t tried others, I have the one they sell on BRS. Works well follow instruction.

 

[KYnewbee42103]

Hot water and a scotch brite? No chemicals

 

[JNalley]

So, instead of wasting a ton of vinegar and a ton of citric acid, instead of filling it up and letting it soak, mix up a batch in a small bucket, put in some microfiber towels to soak it up, and then stick them to the sides. Let it soak for 3-4 hours, come back, wipe off, repeat as necessary. Use a spray bottle, a relatively stiff sponge, and some elbow grease to tackle the corners.

 

[JNalley]

Hot water and a scotch brite? No chemicals

Vinegar (Acetic Acid) is used for carbon dosing, and Citric Acid is known to be safe as a cleaning agent for reef equipment (Sicce Pump Clean is mostly Citric Acid).

 

[CollectOyster04]

While soaking or using a spray bottle, I've had success using an old license or credit card to help scrape off some of the more stuck crud off the tank. Don't use scotch brite pad unless you want to buff everywhere that pad touches.

 

[KYnewbee42103]

Vinegar (Acetic Acid) is used for carbon dosing, and Citric Acid is known to be safe as a cleaning agent for reef equipment (Sicce Pump Clean is mostly Citric Acid).

Oops sorry didn’t know it was acrylic or it looks like it’s acrylic