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View Full Version : How should I clean my tank?

squashynose
09-12-2009, 05:03 PM
So I'm getting my big tank back from the Crime-Scene fish :cool:

It's had two goldfish in it, and 2 african dwarf frogs. It's pretty gunky at the moment.

My sister said to scrub it out with washing up liquid, and just rinse rinse rinse. Then disinfect with some reptile tank cleaner or something. She also said I should dump the gravel and buy some new.

I read something somewhere about cycling tanks, and to start new ones, it's good to get some top gravel from established tanks, to kick start the bacteria in the new tank.

If that is the case, can I keep and use the gravel that's in the big tank at the moment?
TIFFERS
09-12-2009, 05:07 PM
I only wash and scrub with water, and I had sand in my tank for a few years, dumped it all and put brand new rocks in. I'd get new rocks and let it run for a minimum of 24 hours before adding anything, but if you can wait longer...that's best.
squashynose
09-12-2009, 05:15 PM
:( I got special pretty gravel too.
TIFFERS
09-13-2009, 02:10 PM
You can use it... :p ...just don't put fish or anything in for at LEAST 24 hours.
squashynose
09-13-2009, 03:10 PM
I scrubbed the tank with hot water, but no soap. Same with the ornaments. I left the gravel in boiling water for an hour, then rinsed it. Tank is up and running, and fishies will be moved over into it tomorrow :)
Macawpower58
09-13-2009, 03:31 PM
Vinagar is what I used to use. Especially for filters and such that had water deposits. Non toxic, yet works.
TIFFERS
09-13-2009, 05:32 PM
I need to get the vinegar out for my filters. :p

I just hate that smell!
squashynose
09-14-2009, 01:03 PM
I didn't have to bother about the filter, they didn't borrow mine. I've put the sponge from the tiny tank filter into the big tank to bob around for a bit, to let the bacteria escape :)

The fish are in now too :biggrin:
alcoth
09-14-2009, 02:19 PM
Grats on the fishies Em... Mog has new friends :D
squashynose
09-14-2009, 03:16 PM
Well here it is

8365

And Big Fishie and Fishie playing :)

http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/squashynose/videos/?action=view&current=0DSCF3147.flv
alcoth
09-14-2009, 03:20 PM
Pretty coloUrs.... *stare*
squashynose
09-14-2009, 03:30 PM
Pretty coloUrs.... *stare*

I bet you think you're funny, don't ya?
TIFFERS
09-14-2009, 08:38 PM
;)

It's cute, Em!