Tearing down a dirty tank to clean?

[Rench]

Tomorrow i will be moving my breeding clowns into a holding tank while i clean there tank. they have been laying eggs for about 7 months now but the water quality will is terrible. I have all the water ready and a holding tank setup with water from a tank that has been cycled already. I need ideas on how to get the algae of the glass inside this tank as quickly as possible. It has thick green algae on both sides. Thanks if anyone would respond :bigsmile:

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You need more in the holding tank than "cycled" water, unless the fish will be in for only a few hours. Is that the plan?. You need surfaces with bacteria already on them for longer term, like rocks, live rand, sponge filters, etc. Otherwise, you risk ammonia.

The water doesn't really cycle, its whatever holds the bacteria that cycles.

To remove the algae, I'd use a sponge with a scrubber side and rinse very well. Try to get one that doesn't say it has chemicals to prevent mildew.

 

[reefwiser]

Fast way use a razor blade scraper like used painting

Then a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I agree a razor blade is a good choice if the hair algae is hard to get off.