Best way to clean and sterilize a tank for saltwater

[Reefhaven]

Hey everyone!

I had a freshwater tank for about 3 years and I’m coming back to salt!!! I wanted to know what’s the best way to clean and sterilize the tank for saltwater? Thanks!

 

[andiesreef]

I did the same thing when I started salt. First I removed everything inside and soaked gravel in vinegar water to kill pest snails and maybe re-use in the future. Then, I cleaned the tank thoroughly with vinegar water, scrubbed and cleaned equipment the same way, and ran all the equipment I wanted to use inside the tank (filled with tap water) for a few weeks. Then, when all the stuff for my saltwater tank had shipped, I emptied the water and had no issues from there.

 

[Rmckoy]

Warning regarding cleaning magnetic pumps with vinegar .

there are a few posts on here explaining the damage that’s caused by vinegar .

I good scrub is all I’ve ever done .
Good thing you don’t need to scrape coralline algae ...

Welcome back to the salty side of town

 

[andiesreef]

Warning regarding cleaning magnetic pumps with vinegar .

there are a few posts on here explaining the damage that’s caused by vinegar .

I good scrub is all I’ve ever done .
Good thing you don’t need to scrape coralline algae ...

Welcome back to the salty side of town

Yeah don't mess with vinegar and magnetic pumps, I've heard horror stories .

I only use the stuff on plastic HOBS and things of that nature.