How to Clean Old Fish Tanks

The aquarium hobby has a high attrition rate. Many new hobbyists will eventually drop out and get rid of their old equipment. New hobbyists can most likely find some great bargains on used aquariums at yard sales, flea markets and other shopping venues. With the right care, and a bit of hard work -- you can get those old tanks looking like new -- and save yourself a lot of money in the process.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Clean sponges
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a bucket with hot water. Make the water as hot as you can. Dip a new sponge in the hot water and start cleaning the tank. Never use a sponge or cloth that has been used for another purpose, since any leftover contaminants could harm your fish. Avoid the use of window cleaners or soapy water.

    • 2

      Scrub the inside of the tank with the sponge and the hot water. You might have to scrub extra hard at the top of the tank, along the rim, to remove any calcium deposits or dried on salt.

    • 3

      Use a razor blade to remove any stubborn calcium or mineral deposits. If the tank has been used with very hard water, you might see a line of white around the rim of the tank. Remove as much of that staining as you can with just the hot water and the sponge.

    • 4

      Fill the tank with water, and allow it to sit for at least a day or two. This will ensure that the tank is watertight before you start using it and stocking it with fish.