How to Disinfect a Fish Tank With Filter Media

A fish tank can serve as a decorative accent to your home and provide a wonderful conversation piece for guests. Fish tanks also create a calming effect, which is why they are often seen in medical and dental offices. If your fish become sick, however, the disease can remain in the tank and filtration equipment, putting your fish at risk of being re-infected. The good news is that you can disinfect your tank and filter media. Although the overall process can take several days, it is very simple to complete.

Things You'll Need

  • A small bucket or a large plastic bowl
  • Water
  • Bleach
  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Baking soda (optional)
  • Non-iodized salt
  • A sponge or wash rag
  • Towel
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Instructions

  1. Filter Media

    • 1

      Fill the bucket or bowl with water and add a small amount of bleach. There should be enough of the water and bleach solution to cover your filter media. Place the filter media in the bucket or bowl and allow it to soak for 24 hours.

    • 2

      Dump the bleach and water out and rinse the filter media and bucket.

    • 3

      Mix water and white vinegar together in the bucket or bowl and allow the filter media to soak in this solution for 48 hours.

    • 4

      Remove the filter media from the bucket and rinse thoroughly. Allow the filter media to soak in plain water for at least 24 hours.

    • 5

      Remove the filter media from the bucket and rinse. If the equipment still has a bleach odor, repeat steps 3 and 4 until you can no longer smell bleach on the filter media. Baking soda can be added to the vinegar and water for further cleansing.

    Fish Tank

    • 6

      Empty the fish tank and discard all of the gravel.

    • 7

      Dampen your sponge or wash rag and apply a large amount of non-iodized salt, then thoroughly scrub the entire tank.

    • 8

      Rinse the tank with water and dry it with a towel.