How to Clean Used Fish Tanks

In order to house any kind of aquatic life, an old fish tank needs to be cleaned extremely well to get rid of and avoid build-ups and toxicity on the tank glass. It is very important to remember the golden rules of fish tanks: never use any kind of liquid on fish tanks except for clean water. Anything other than clean water can severely upset the balance of the water and put toxic chemicals and substances into the water and kill your aquatic life.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm water
  • Spray bottle
  • Sponge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove everything from the tank.

    • 2

      Fill the spray bottle with warm to hot water.

    • 3

      Spray the fish tank with the hot water. Wait five minutes for really stained or dirty glass.

    • 4

      Scrub the fish tank all over with the sponge. Make sure you get underneath the rims and the lid of the fish tank. Rinse your sponge often to avoid leaving dirt and grime inside the tank.

    • 5

      Rinse with warm to hot water thoroughly.

    • 6

      Wash the gravel and rocks with warm water as well before putting them back into the tank.

    • 7

      Set up the tank and fill it with cool water. Wait 24 hours before putting any aquatic life in the tank. This will bring the water temperature to room temperature. If you buy tropical fish, you need to set up the heating system and let it run for 24 hours as well.