General Care Discussion :: I have a questions about cleaning a used tank

[sarah85]

I have a 3 1/2inch to 4inch RES, and right now she is in a 20gal tank, but someone at my work gave me a 30gal tank she had once used for fish, i want to use it for my turtle but i want 2 clean it 1st, what can i use to clean it that would later be save to put water and my turtle in without the chemicals hurting me turtle?

[Pizza]

If the old tank only looks worn (eg. hard water stains), then all you need is some warm water and some scrubbing.

You can use small amounts of vinegar while scrubbing to disinfect if you want, but it will leave a smell of vinegar.

You can also use diluted bleach, though it has to be very dilute (10:1 water:bleach), and be sure to rinse out after done.

Don't use soap, it can leave residue you can't see. Unless the tank genuinely looks gross, hasn't been used in a long time and has collected a lot of dust, or has had a history of very unhealthy and sick fish, then just water and scrubbing will do.

[sarah85]

the tank doesn't look too bad, i will try the scrubbing 1st if that doesn't work i will try the bleach thing, thanks 4 your help

[megcornell]

If you use bleach, dilute it more than 10:1.
A good mixture is about 2oz bleach per gallon of water-- you'll be surprised at how potent that mixture alone can be.
After bleaching, rinse the tank well a few times and let it dry overnight.

[sarah85]

Ok, thanks