refurbishing an old tank

Mogiep · 11/11/2012, 09:23 PM

I am cleaning out my old 45 gallon high salt tank. Going to restock and revamp. What is a good way to clean up the tank once I've emptied it's contents? I have a bit of coraline build up on the glass as well as some gook in the seams. I've heard of a couple remedies throughout the years such as; vinegar and water, or muratic acid wash... and would like to hear what you all think is good.

Beandawg · 11/11/2012, 09:37 PM

If you're into having a clean tank, a commercial pressure washer should do the trick.

Mogiep · 11/11/2012, 09:42 PM

"If you're into having a clean tank, a commercial pressure washer should do the trick."

Not really the advice I was looking for, just want to clean out the seams and start from fresh. Don't think my power washer would do this tanks seams any good. Thanks for your concern, but save it for the comedy show.

Beandawg · 11/11/2012, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogiep

and would like to hear what you all think is good.

There was nothing comedic about my suggestion, I've done it several times with no ill effect. Apparently you don't actually want to hear "what you all think is good"... So good luck with your vinegar and muriatic acid treatment. I'm sure you'll let us know how that works out for you.

Mogiep · 11/11/2012, 10:34 PM

pm sent

Mogiep · 11/11/2012, 10:56 PM

Just looking for a little advice? Always have had good response in the past. Anybody?

sail33 · 11/11/2012, 11:00 PM

I wouldn't use a pressure washer on my tank. Nor would I use muratic acid. I just went the vinegar route. I'd put a gallon of vinegar in mix in a cpl gallons of water. after an hour or so you start cleaning that part. I didn't have that much in my used tank but vinegar in a spray bottle should help too. Once you start splashing it around, the coraline should come right off.

Breathing muratic acid vapors can damage your lungs so PLEASE be CAREFUL.

Well ventilated space anat...

Taking an attitude because someone disagrees is pretty small. Ignore bad advice. Do it the safe way Mogiep

acrab78 · 11/12/2012, 01:50 AM

I've just always used elbow grease... Clean it out and scrub it down!
If it was previously a sw tank shouldn't be a big deal.
I have a 45 tall that I used for freshwater and that would be a pain to make salt...

Good luck!

GPB · 11/12/2012, 07:15 AM

The vinegar soak for a few hours, then scrape, and wipe down should do the trick. That is what I would do.

Mogiep · 11/12/2012, 08:26 AM

Thanks for all your replies, I will go the vinegar/elbow grease route, hope the grease comes out okay, lol

Mogiep · 11/12/2012, 08:45 AM

More opinions needed; Any suggestions for LED lighting on this tank? I've been reading good things about LED lighting. It's a 45 gallon (tall), so I'd need a fixture to fit 36" length. I've been using it as a sw fish only tank for over 8 years and I'm making a few upgrades to the system.

Mogiep · 11/12/2012, 12:10 PM

?help?

NvyroMental · 11/12/2012, 12:24 PM

AI Sol all the way, if you can afford it. I've been happy with the one i have, never having to worry about controlling lighting cycles, or maintenance. With the controller, it is the closest way to replicate natural sunlight, with unlimited color combinations. If you can afford the new Vega with red and green diodes, it would be well worth the buy.

Mogiep · 11/12/2012, 01:24 PM

Thanks NvyroMental. That looks like a super light. Not sure which one to use on my size tank. It may be a bit too pricey for me, but I can always dream...which is half the fun of this hobby. lol Any other suggestions?

NvyroMental · 11/12/2012, 06:41 PM

It all depends on what fauna you wanna keep. Unfortunately i only have experience with AI's LEDs, and power compacts for a short time. I know there are others out there, but if you consider pricing out a DIY system (bulbs, ballasts, timers, etc.), i bet you will find it comes close to the low-maintenance, all-in-one set-up from AI. Thats just my two cents though. There really are endless possibilities for lighting. I would say the AI Sol would be adequate for your tank, depending on how tall it is. Any chance you could post pix of the tank and your progress?

Mogiep · 11/13/2012, 08:40 PM

My tank is in the process of being cleaned and is empty right now. I've got a couple of spots of stubborn coraline I'm trying to remove. My critters and crew are all at my buddy's house safely tucked away in his tank. I may not get them back but at least I know they will be well cared for. Unfortunately I have to put this all on hold for a time while I tend to a family semi-emergency. Hopefully all will be well and I can get back to it next week. I'll post pictures as soon as I have gotten back to it. My tank is a 45 gallon high. Not the best tank, I know, but it's what I have to work with right now. Still considering a possible tank change, but not sure what to do. I keep switching back and forth in my mind....my budget is an issue.

CenterConsole · 11/14/2012, 10:30 AM

I use vinegar for cleaning my tanks as well. As far as LEDs, I prefer DIY. You can save a lot of money and get the exact setup/configuration you want.

11/11/2012, 09:23 PM	#1
Mogiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 84	refurbishing an old tank I am cleaning out my old 45 gallon high salt tank. Going to restock and revamp. What is a good way to clean up the tank once I've emptied it's contents? I have a bit of coraline build up on the glass as well as some gook in the seams. I've heard of a couple remedies throughout the years such as; vinegar and water, or muratic acid wash... and would like to hear what you all think is good. __________________ Drive fast, It's slick outside. Current Tank Info: 45 gal. w/ Magnum Hot Pro, ebo Jaeger heater, Visi Jet power head, Maxi Jet PH 400, Current USA Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic 95W each, 20 lb Arag live sand, 30 lb Carib sea reef sand,..... Aqua-C Remora Pro. & 2 freshwater tank(s)

11/11/2012, 09:42 PM	#3
Mogiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 84	"If you're into having a clean tank, a commercial pressure washer should do the trick." Not really the advice I was looking for, just want to clean out the seams and start from fresh. Don't think my power washer would do this tanks seams any good. Thanks for your concern, but save it for the comedy show. __________________ Drive fast, It's slick outside. Current Tank Info: 45 gal. w/ Magnum Hot Pro, ebo Jaeger heater, Visi Jet power head, Maxi Jet PH 400, Current USA Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic 95W each, 20 lb Arag live sand, 30 lb Carib sea reef sand,..... Aqua-C Remora Pro. & 2 freshwater tank(s)

11/11/2012, 10:34 PM	#5
Mogiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 84	pm sent __________________ Drive fast, It's slick outside. Current Tank Info: 45 gal. w/ Magnum Hot Pro, ebo Jaeger heater, Visi Jet power head, Maxi Jet PH 400, Current USA Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic 95W each, 20 lb Arag live sand, 30 lb Carib sea reef sand,..... Aqua-C Remora Pro. & 2 freshwater tank(s)

11/11/2012, 10:56 PM	#6
Mogiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 84	Just looking for a little advice? Always have had good response in the past. Anybody? __________________ Drive fast, It's slick outside. Current Tank Info: 45 gal. w/ Magnum Hot Pro, ebo Jaeger heater, Visi Jet power head, Maxi Jet PH 400, Current USA Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic 95W each, 20 lb Arag live sand, 30 lb Carib sea reef sand,..... Aqua-C Remora Pro. & 2 freshwater tank(s)

11/12/2012, 07:15 AM	#9
GPB Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Washington DC Posts: 633	The vinegar soak for a few hours, then scrape, and wipe down should do the trick. That is what I would do. __________________ It is what it is! Current Tank Info: Oceanic 37g cube, AquaC Remora Skimmer, 6 x T5 ligts, SSB, 10g sump, GFO, GAC, Polyfilter

11/11/2012, 09:37 PM	#2
Beandawg I see whatchu did there. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Central CT Posts: 666	If you're into having a clean tank, a commercial pressure washer should do the trick.

11/11/2012, 11:00 PM	#7
sail33 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sunny St. Pete, FL Posts: 522	I wouldn't use a pressure washer on my tank. Nor would I use muratic acid. I just went the vinegar route. I'd put a gallon of vinegar in mix in a cpl gallons of water. after an hour or so you start cleaning that part. I didn't have that much in my used tank but vinegar in a spray bottle should help too. Once you start splashing it around, the coraline should come right off. Breathing muratic acid vapors can damage your lungs so PLEASE be CAREFUL. Well ventilated space anat... Taking an attitude because someone disagrees is pretty small. Ignore bad advice. Do it the safe way Mogiep

11/12/2012, 01:50 AM	#8
acrab78 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 50	I've just always used elbow grease... Clean it out and scrub it down! If it was previously a sw tank shouldn't be a big deal. I have a 45 tall that I used for freshwater and that would be a pain to make salt... Good luck!

11/12/2012, 08:26 AM	#10
Mogiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 84	Thanks for all your replies, I will go the vinegar/elbow grease route, hope the grease comes out okay, lol __________________ Drive fast, It's slick outside. Current Tank Info: 45 gal. w/ Magnum Hot Pro, ebo Jaeger heater, Visi Jet power head, Maxi Jet PH 400, Current USA Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic 95W each, 20 lb Arag live sand, 30 lb Carib sea reef sand,..... Aqua-C Remora Pro. & 2 freshwater tank(s)

11/12/2012, 08:45 AM	#11
Mogiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 84	More opinions needed; Any suggestions for LED lighting on this tank? I've been reading good things about LED lighting. It's a 45 gallon (tall), so I'd need a fixture to fit 36" length. I've been using it as a sw fish only tank for over 8 years and I'm making a few upgrades to the system. __________________ Drive fast, It's slick outside. Current Tank Info: 45 gal. w/ Magnum Hot Pro, ebo Jaeger heater, Visi Jet power head, Maxi Jet PH 400, Current USA Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic 95W each, 20 lb Arag live sand, 30 lb Carib sea reef sand,..... Aqua-C Remora Pro. & 2 freshwater tank(s)

11/12/2012, 12:10 PM	#12
Mogiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 84	?help? __________________ Drive fast, It's slick outside. Current Tank Info: 45 gal. w/ Magnum Hot Pro, ebo Jaeger heater, Visi Jet power head, Maxi Jet PH 400, Current USA Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic 95W each, 20 lb Arag live sand, 30 lb Carib sea reef sand,..... Aqua-C Remora Pro. & 2 freshwater tank(s)

11/12/2012, 12:24 PM	#13
NvyroMental Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Kansas City Posts: 51	AI Sol all the way, if you can afford it. I've been happy with the one i have, never having to worry about controlling lighting cycles, or maintenance. With the controller, it is the closest way to replicate natural sunlight, with unlimited color combinations. If you can afford the new Vega with red and green diodes, it would be well worth the buy.

11/12/2012, 01:24 PM	#14
Mogiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 84	Thanks NvyroMental. That looks like a super light. Not sure which one to use on my size tank. It may be a bit too pricey for me, but I can always dream...which is half the fun of this hobby. lol Any other suggestions? __________________ Drive fast, It's slick outside. Current Tank Info: 45 gal. w/ Magnum Hot Pro, ebo Jaeger heater, Visi Jet power head, Maxi Jet PH 400, Current USA Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic 95W each, 20 lb Arag live sand, 30 lb Carib sea reef sand,..... Aqua-C Remora Pro. & 2 freshwater tank(s)

11/12/2012, 06:41 PM	#15
NvyroMental Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Kansas City Posts: 51	It all depends on what fauna you wanna keep. Unfortunately i only have experience with AI's LEDs, and power compacts for a short time. I know there are others out there, but if you consider pricing out a DIY system (bulbs, ballasts, timers, etc.), i bet you will find it comes close to the low-maintenance, all-in-one set-up from AI. Thats just my two cents though. There really are endless possibilities for lighting. I would say the AI Sol would be adequate for your tank, depending on how tall it is. Any chance you could post pix of the tank and your progress?

11/13/2012, 08:40 PM	#16
Mogiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Aurora, Illinois Posts: 84	My tank is in the process of being cleaned and is empty right now. I've got a couple of spots of stubborn coraline I'm trying to remove. My critters and crew are all at my buddy's house safely tucked away in his tank. I may not get them back but at least I know they will be well cared for. Unfortunately I have to put this all on hold for a time while I tend to a family semi-emergency. Hopefully all will be well and I can get back to it next week. I'll post pictures as soon as I have gotten back to it. My tank is a 45 gallon high. Not the best tank, I know, but it's what I have to work with right now. Still considering a possible tank change, but not sure what to do. I keep switching back and forth in my mind....my budget is an issue. __________________ Drive fast, It's slick outside. Current Tank Info: 45 gal. w/ Magnum Hot Pro, ebo Jaeger heater, Visi Jet power head, Maxi Jet PH 400, Current USA Dual Daylight and Dual Actinic 95W each, 20 lb Arag live sand, 30 lb Carib sea reef sand,..... Aqua-C Remora Pro. & 2 freshwater tank(s)

11/14/2012, 10:30 AM	#17
CenterConsole Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 187	I use vinegar for cleaning my tanks as well. As far as LEDs, I prefer DIY. You can save a lot of money and get the exact setup/configuration you want.