BEST method to deep clean and reset a tank!

[SliceGolfer]

Hey fellow Reefers!

I had to share a game-changing method I used to deep clean and refresh one of my AIO tanks.

After losing an almost year-long battle with red turf algae, I decided it was best to move the livestock and reset the tank. I removed everything living from the tank, including the rock. Leaving all equipment in place, I siphoned out the saltwater. I then refilled the tank with hot tap water and added 8 cups of citric acid, turning on all the pumps.

After letting it run for six hours, I checked the tank. Everything was spotless—coralline algae build-up? Gone. Vermetid snails in the sump? Disappeared. There was nothing left but to gently scrub and rinse everything. The tank, heater, pumps—everything is as clean as new.

Just wanted to share this for anyone looking to reset and deep clean their tank. Now, I'm all set for the rebuild!

 

[rpkneumann]

Clean with high concentration citric acid solution I used 1 TBSP citric acid powder per 1 Cup of water.

 

[KoiTang]

Hey fellow Reefers!

I had to share a game-changing method I used to deep clean and refresh one of my AIO tanks.

After losing an almost year-long battle with red turf algae, I decided it was best to move the livestock and reset the tank. I removed everything living from the tank, including the rock. Leaving all equipment in place, I siphoned out the saltwater. I then refilled the tank with hot tap water and added 8 cups of citric acid, turning on all the pumps.

After letting it run for six hours, I checked the tank. Everything was spotless—coralline algae build-up? Gone. Vermetid snails in the sump? Disappeared. There was nothing left but to gently scrub and rinse everything. The tank, heater, pumps—everything is as clean as new.

Just wanted to share this for anyone looking to reset and deep clean their tank. Now, I'm all set for the rebuild!

I'm about to do the same. How large of a tank did you have?

 

[SliceGolfer]

It was an IM Nuvo 15 gallon AIO. I normally mix my citric acid at 1 cup per gallon for regular cleaning. Cutting that in half to 1/2 cup per gallon in the tank was very effective.

 

[cdemoss01]

Hey fellow Reefers!

I had to share a game-changing method I used to deep clean and refresh one of my AIO tanks.

After losing an almost year-long battle with red turf algae, I decided it was best to move the livestock and reset the tank. I removed everything living from the tank, including the rock. Leaving all equipment in place, I siphoned out the saltwater. I then refilled the tank with hot tap water and added 8 cups of citric acid, turning on all the pumps.

After letting it run for six hours, I checked the tank. Everything was spotless—coralline algae build-up? Gone. Vermetid snails in the sump? Disappeared. There was nothing left but to gently scrub and rinse everything. The tank, heater, pumps—everything is as clean as new.

Just wanted to share this for anyone looking to reset and deep clean their tank. Now, I'm all set for the rebuild!

I just took my briopis and gha infected rocks out and used a bristle brush to clean them. Not only did I lower my nitrates I got everything out of the tank!

 

[Keywest99]

Hey fellow Reefers!

I had to share a game-changing method I used to deep clean and refresh one of my AIO tanks.

After losing an almost year-long battle with red turf algae, I decided it was best to move the livestock and reset the tank. I removed everything living from the tank, including the rock. Leaving all equipment in place, I siphoned out the saltwater. I then refilled the tank with hot tap water and added 8 cups of citric acid, turning on all the pumps.

After letting it run for six hours, I checked the tank. Everything was spotless—coralline algae build-up? Gone. Vermetid snails in the sump? Disappeared. There was nothing left but to gently scrub and rinse everything. The tank, heater, pumps—everything is as clean as new.

Just wanted to share this for anyone looking to reset and deep clean their tank. Now, I'm all set for the rebuild!

What size tank was it?