Vinegar solution to clean tank?

[DracoKat]

I am getting conflicting answers via google.

I broke down my 20g tank. It has a lot of coraline algae and calcium buildup.
I am planning on converting it into a FW planted tank, so I want to give it a really good cleaning to leave it like-new.

How much vinegar to water should I use?

I see some sites says 1:1, others say 9:1?!

I bought 10 gallons of vinegar thinking 1:1, but now I am thinking that's rather excessive? how many gallons of vinegar should I use to get this tank sparkling clean? I plan on leaving it over night or two before rinsing and letting it sit outside for another few days before prepping for FW.

please and thank you?

 

[ReefGeezer]

Straight vinegar will work & so will any dilution level. Diluted vinegar will just take longer to dissolve the calcium carbonate. Put it in a spray bottle and squirt it on the surfaces. Rinse well with tap water when you are done. It shouldn't take days... maybe overnight depending on the dilution level.

 

[DracoKat]

thanks, so I won't have to fill the tank with water/vinegar? Just spray the sides? @ReefGeezer

 

[mfinn]

I'd dump a gallon in and fill it with water over night. It there are any stubborn spots, use straight vinegar and a nylon scrub pad.

 

[Johnike]

Citric Acid is my choice these days.

 

[ReefGeezer]

thanks, so I won't have to fill the tank with water/vinegar? Just spray the sides? @ReefGeezer

That's the way I've cleaned big tanks in the past. You may have to spray a few times. With a small tank, filling it with a dilute solution, maybe 1 or 2 gallons on vinegar, will work also.