Tank Restart/Clean Thoughts

clifg · Feb 4, 2022

Hey all, so a couple of months ago I moved and had to tear down my tank. I, unfortunately, didn't have the time to clean everything properly then. Now I'm ready to reboot the tank but I'm going to have to clean everything first as there is still a significant build-up of coralline. I've thought about filling the tank and putting all the equipment in place and then dumping some BRS citric acid in and just letting everything run to clean itself. Then of course doing the same thing with just RO. Do you think this would work? My other options are cleaning everything separately in buckets and spraying the tank with a solution but I don't really see how those two things are different, besides maybe the amount of water I would use. What's the most efficient/safest for my future inhabitants? Thanks all!

MnFish1 · Feb 4, 2022

clifg said:
Hey all, so a couple of months ago I moved and had to tear down my tank. I, unfortunately, didn't have the time to clean everything properly then. Now I'm ready to reboot the tank but I'm going to have to clean everything first as there is still a significant build-up of coralline. I've thought about filling the tank and putting all the equipment in place and then dumping some BRS citric acid in and just letting everything run to clean itself. Then of course doing the same thing with just RO. Do you think this would work? My other options are cleaning everything separately in buckets and spraying the tank with a solution but I don't really see how those two things are different, besides maybe the amount of water I would use. What's the most efficient/safest for my future inhabitants? Thanks all!

It would be my impression, that even though you run the citric acid - you will still have to individually scrub each item? (at least thats what I've had to do). I would take out the equipment - clean it individually (meaning that you can control the amount of time its in the solution).

Then empty the tank - use a sponge or spray bottle to spray on some citric acid solution - onto the areas you want to clean - then scrape and rinse. IMHO - this will be easier and safer for your equipment.

TriggerFinger · Feb 4, 2022

Vinegar and water in a spray bottle, A LOT of magic erasers and citric acid with warm water.
edit: and razor blades!! Lots and lots and lots of straight blades; they dull really fast

MnFish1 · Feb 4, 2022

TriggerFinger said:
Vinegar and water in a spray bottle, A LOT of magic erasers and citric acid with warm water.
edit: and razor blades!! Lots and lots and lots of straight blades; they dull really fast

You missed a couple spots lol

. Just kidding - looks awesome