Cleaning

[fogcutter]

Hey gang,

I'm about to get my tank wet with saltwater for the first time! What is everyone using to clean up the inside of their tanks and sumps that's safe to get it ready for cycling?

 

[Geebs19]

Ive got a Mag Float which I rarely use since I replaced it with the Flipper (thing is amazing), and then I have a long tool that has attachments for me to get the back glass, near the sane areas. I dont clean my sump other than replace socks, clean sponge.

 

[fogcutter]

Ive got a Mag Float which I rarely use since I replaced it with the Flipper (thing is amazing), and then I have a long tool that has attachments for me to get the back glass, near the sane areas. I dont clean my sump other than replace socks, clean sponge.

Cool. I'm want to do a thorough cleaning of the tank and sump before I fill it. Any suggestions on what to and what NOT to use for cleaning?

 

[Salty Lemon]

Ive got a Mag Float which I rarely use since I replaced it with the Flipper (thing is amazing), and then I have a long tool that has attachments for me to get the back glass, near the sane areas. I dont clean my sump other than replace socks, clean sponge.

Ditto on the Flipper. It works wonders.

 

[Geebs19]

Sorry, I read to fast and missed the last part. You can use bleach, and let it completely dry and when the smell of bleach is gone you are safe to go. You can also use Distilled Vinegar, this is my choice, you can heat it up to cut through anything, then just rinse it out.

 

[Salty Lemon]

Cool. I'm want to do a thorough cleaning of the tank and sump before I fill it. Any suggestions on what to and what NOT to use for cleaning?

My stuff was new, so I basically just rinsed off the dust, particles and such. If it is a used tank, you will need to speak with the veterans on the board. Here is a link to a previous thread. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/cleaning-a-used-aquarium.512603/#post-5409370 . You may find what you need there. Good luck.

 

[miPapareef]

Distilled vinegar or citric acid aids in dissolving the calcium carbonate deposits and they only need to be rinse before using the tank. For the vinegar, I use a 50:50 mix with water then let soak 60 minutes. If you are not trying to sterilize, I'd go with vinegar over the bleach.

 

[fogcutter]

My stuff was new, so I basically just rinsed off the dust, particles and such. If it is a used tank, you will need to speak with the veterans on the board. Here is a link to a previous thread. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/cleaning-a-used-aquarium.512603/#post-5409370 . You may find what you need there. Good luck.

Thanks! Neither the tank or the sump have been wet before but they've been sitting for a while and collecting dust. I think I'll go the vinegar route....was using it to clean something earlier and actually remember where it is.