Sterilizing Used Tank?

[Kasey Grohowski]

How would I best go about sterilizing a used tank? I'm converting my sump into a 75 gallon tank, used. Great deal so don't want to pass it up. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

 

[James M]

Bleach and water solution

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

How would I best go about sterilizing a used tank? I'm converting my sump into a 75 gallon tank, used. Great deal so don't want to pass it up. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

Vinegar or sodium hydroxide. I like sodium hydroxide, oven cleaner non-scent

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Bleach and water solution

1 part bleach per 10 water? Then how would I decontaminate the bleach?

 

[lapin]

Bleach will kill anything in it, so no need to decontaminate it. Bleach breaks down into salt. Rinse and dry the tank in the sun. Or if you are really paranoid use "declor"

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Bleach will kill anything in it, so no need to decontaminate it. Bleach breaks down into salt. Rinse and dry the tank in the sun. Or if you are really paranoid use "declor"

Dechlorinator such as prime?

 

[lapin]

Dechlorinator such as prime?

https://www.firsttankguide.net/dechlorinator.php

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

https://www.firsttankguide.net/dechlorinator.php

So do you think a 1/10 bleach water soaked for a day should be sufficient? Can I rinse with tap?

 

[lapin]

So do you think a 1/10 bleach water soaked for a day should be sufficient? Can I rinse with tap?

Yes tap is fine for rinse. 1/10 5%-6%bleach will work. It will kill everything but aiptasia. Those you cant kill.

 

[specwar]

How would I best go about sterilizing a used tank? I'm converting my sump into a 75 gallon tank, used. Great deal so don't want to pass it up. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

I did multiple Vinegar soaks for mine - does a good job on any mineral deposits as well. Just go to Walmart or Smart and Final and get a gallon jug - cheap stuff.

 

[TheGreatWave]

Vinegar is my go to because it dissolves all the minerals and coralline etc as @specwar mentions.

Of course if the tank was clean of calcium or a freshwater I wouldn't have a problem using bleach either.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Yes tap is fine for rinse. 1/10 5%-6%bleach will work. It will kill everything but aiptasia. Those you cant kill.

I bought a new tank, petco had a sale. Should I still do a vinegar soak?

 

[Cell]

Bleach goes inert when it dries. No decon necessary, just let the tank dry in the sun and you will be good.

A new tank shouldn't need anything but a wipe down but you can use some bleach to be completely safe and thorough. Vinegar isn't necessary on a new tank.