Used tank - what to clean it with???

[mecac]

I bought a used 120g tank off Craig's list today for $280.  It is in good shape and holding water but is in need of a thorough cleaning.  Any suggestions on cleaning the glass and top plastic frame?

[MisplacedTexan]

Distilled white vinegar mixed with water in and spray bottle and an algae scrubber should get the algae and hard water stains off the glass pretty easy.  The trim can be cleaned with normal aquarium cleaner and a cloth. Make sure to rinse the tank out thoroughly before adding fish.

I just cleaned a 180 gallon tank this way. It was saltwater even and had coraline build up in the corners and on overflow.  Little elbow grease and it looks as good as new.

[Ron]

x2 on vinegar for the deposits.

For washing it out a final time before putting fish in, I normally use ammonia because it easily rinses clean (rather than using a liquid soap, etc, which may have a residue.

[Cat(fish)lady]

Gotta agree. Vinegar and water. Rinse as best you can. But unlike using soap (which you should NEVER do) if a little vinegar is left behind, it's only likely to buffer the ph a little. Don't sweat it, it won't hurt anything.

And if it still doesn't come off, a little baking soda/vinegar paste and a good scrubbing will help too!

[MisplacedTexan]

How did it turn out?

[mecac]

Thanks all...it cleaned up very nice.  Here is the finished project.

[JG]

Looking good.