How to clean a empty used reef tank.

[addicted_to_reefing]

How’s it going everyone! I recently did a trade and got a complete set up, a 60 gallon AIO cube. I’m guessing the white spots I’m seeing is either salt deposits or old Coraline algae buildup and it’s really hard to scrape off. The other thing I’m trying to do is get the glass clean so I can try to buff and polish out any scratches I find before setting it up. I’m also trying to get advice on how to Clean the pump, wave makers, and other miscellaneous items.

 

[FishRN]

Citric acid baths will clean all of the above

 

[PharmrJohn]

Citric acid baths will clean all of the above

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

[alindell]

Just use 50/50 water vinegar. Makes tank look brand new

 

[Aaron Stone]

How’s it going everyone! I recently did a trade and got a complete set up, a 60 gallon AIO cube. I’m guessing the white spots I’m seeing is either salt deposits or old Coraline algae buildup and it’s really hard to scrape off.

Take it outside, fill it up with a hose, stick in anything you want cleaned, start the pumps and wavemakers running, then dump some citric acid in it and let it run for a bit.

 

[backbayreef]

Sorry to “tank” your enthusiasm but you can’t really buff out scratches on glass tanks. Well, you can try but the result will be worse than what you started. Acrylics — yes, very doable to buff out.

 

[JayM]

Sorry to “tank” your enthusiasm but you can’t really buff out scratches on glass tanks. Well, you can try but the result will be worse than what you started. Acrylics — yes, very doable to buff out.

I have buffed scratches out of glass and it turned out great. The problem is that it is VERY labor intensive, and not at all worth the effort in my opinion.

Light scratches will almost always disappear (mostly) when the tank is filled, and the deep scratches can't really be polished out without distorting the glass unless you can perform miracles and evenly polish the entire panel.

 

[KrisReef]

Pool Acid is the low pH destroyer of coralline algae. It will melt into mush without scrubbing. What remains behind, if anything, you can polish after a good freshwater rinse to remove any solids.

Gloves and Goggles, baking soda to neutralize the acid bath when you are done, and this is best done in the driveway, at night, when your neighbors are not around. It will make your concrete driveway look brand new.

 

[JumboShrimp]

If your tank needs a little more elbow grease (beyond what the citrus acid or vinegar will do), you can get some Bar Keeper's Friend from Walmart (etc.) and make a thick paste with water. Rub with a tag, rinse off thoroughly. Best wishes. :)

 

[backbayreef]

I have buffed scratches out of glass and it turned out great. The problem is that it is VERY labor intensive, and not at all worth the effort in my opinion.

Light scratches will almost always disappear (mostly) when the tank is filled, and the deep scratches can't really be polished out without distorting the glass unless you can perform miracles and evenly polish the entire panel.

You’re a lot braver than me! I’ve attempted once on a small tank and ended up tossing the tank, like you said: very labor intensive and not worth it! Depending on the age of the scratched, glass tank, then you have to worry about the seam as well.

 

[addicted_to_reefing]

I just ordered a 5# bag of citric acid and I’m needing to know the ratio of citric acid powder to water. The tank is a glass 60 gallon AIO cube and it’s probably got half inch thick glass. I figured since it was empty and I was cleaning it I should re-seal the aquarium, so I bought some aqueon aquarium sealer to reseal the seams as well. So if I’m reading correctly…
Step 1: take the tank outside preferably under a covered area with plenty of ventilation that has electricity nearby.
2: vacuum out all the loose debris that you can and then fill it with the water and citric acid mix and then put the accessories inside and let them run while you’re giving it the soak.
3: After soaking for however many hours I get recommended to do so by you guys and gals, I’ll rinse it out thoroughly with my well water. Should I let it run for a few hours in just well water after the acid bath or just rinse 1 to 2 times and let it dry.
4: Can someone please give me insight/instructions on re-sealing the tank. I’m a complete noob and have never done it before.
Thanks for everyone’s time!! ****** I only have 1 AI Prime Hydra 16 for this setup****

 

[JumboShrimp]

That seems like a sensible plan to me. Your final rinsing (twice) should finish things off adequately, as presumably 'glass' is not absorbing anything.

Someone else will have to answer your resealing question. ;)

 

[Asm481]

You do not want to reseal. To be done right you completely cut the tank to glass pieces, remove 100% of the silicone and then rebuild with the right silicone. Not a high success rate for most of us!

 

[Aaron Stone]

I just ordered a 5# bag of citric acid and I’m needing to know the ratio of citric acid powder to water. The tank is a glass 60 gallon AIO cube and it’s probably got half inch thick glass. I figured since it was empty and I was cleaning it I should re-seal the aquarium, so I bought some aqueon aquarium sealer to reseal the seams as well. So if I’m reading correctly…
Step 1: take the tank outside preferably under a covered area with plenty of ventilation that has electricity nearby.
2: vacuum out all the loose debris that you can and then fill it with the water and citric acid mix and then put the accessories inside and let them run while you’re giving it the soak.
3: After soaking for however many hours I get recommended to do so by you guys and gals, I’ll rinse it out thoroughly with my well water. Should I let it run for a few hours in just well water after the acid bath or just rinse 1 to 2 times and let it dry.
4: Can someone please give me insight/instructions on re-sealing the tank. I’m a complete noob and have never done it before.
Thanks for everyone’s time!! ****** I only have 1 AI Prime Hydra 16 for this setup****

Why do feel it needs to be resealed?

As ASM481 indicated, resealing isn't really a thing without going down to bare glass. Silicone doesn't really adhere to older silicone and any bead you put on to cover the corners is going to come off pretty quickly during routine glass cleaning.

 

[addicted_to_reefing]

Why do feel it needs to be resealed?

As ASM481 indicated, resealing isn't really a thing without going down to bare glass. Silicone doesn't really adhere to older silicone and any bead you put on to cover the corners is going to come off pretty quickly during routine glass cleaning.

No particular reason. Just thought I would re seal the seams.

 

[marktmills]

I just ordered a 5# bag of citric acid and I’m needing to know the ratio of citric acid powder to water. The tank is a glass 60 gallon AIO cube and it’s probably got half inch thick glass. I figured since it was empty and I was cleaning it I should re-seal the aquarium, so I bought some aqueon aquarium sealer to reseal the seams as well. So if I’m reading correctly…
Step 1: take the tank outside preferably under a covered area with plenty of ventilation that has electricity nearby.
2: vacuum out all the loose debris that you can and then fill it with the water and citric acid mix and then put the accessories inside and let them run while you’re giving it the soak.
3: After soaking for however many hours I get recommended to do so by you guys and gals, I’ll rinse it out thoroughly with my well water. Should I let it run for a few hours in just well water after the acid bath or just rinse 1 to 2 times and let it dry.
4: Can someone please give me insight/instructions on re-sealing the tank. I’m a complete noob and have never done it before and also i talked with this website for cleaning underlying rugs.
Thanks for everyone’s time!! ****** I only have 1 AI Prime Hydra 16 for this setup****

I’m planning to reseal my tank too, and I’m curious after soaking with the citric acid mix, how do you make sure that all traces of the acid are completely gone before you start resealing? Should I be concerned about any leftover residue potentially affecting the new sealant?

 

[addicted_to_reefing]

I’m planning to reseal my tank too, and I’m curious after soaking with the citric acid mix, how do you make sure that all traces of the acid are completely gone before you start resealing? Should I be concerned about any leftover residue potentially affecting the new sealant?

I did 2 rinses and I don’t think there is any left over