How to Clean up an Old Aquarium

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It only takes a little time and commitment to bring an old used aquarium back to life. To make an aquarium safe cleaner, mix up a 1 part vinegar to 16 parts water solution ~1/2 cup vinegar to 1/2 gal H2O. This solution is a weak acid and will help dissolve suborn organics that may be dried to the glass surface.

The razor blade can come in handy when tough dried algae and calcium stain are present. the razor blade will not scratch the glass and will help tremendously. Be careful not to puncture the silicone seals when using this tool.

f you are concerned your used tank wont hold water, you can test it out before you begin this cleaning process. Simply place the tank in a DRY location where its ok for water to leak, say the garage or back patio. Fill the tank to the top and let it sit for a a week or so.

Check on the tank periodically for small leaks which will appear as small trails of water coming from the bottom. It the tank does not leak after this week long period, chances are your good to go.

*Disclaimer*

Some of our projects use materials and tools that can be dangerous. Our projects are meant to be fun and safe for all parties. If you decide to engage in any of our projects, remember you are doing so at your own risk. DIY AQUAPROS will not be held responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from any of our projects or instructions.
Be safe and enjoy !

[Srakha]

Thank you SO much.. this took a onerous job and made it so much easier. I used a scrubby instead of a sponge, and wow, like a brand new tank. :D

[jessann]

I just wanted to thank you!
This was the only video that got my tank clean without having to go out and purchase something!
So right on man!

[cosmictrout]

I bought the BFK powder for a used 55 gallon tank, it was sitting in a garage for a year and has bad water stains but i try the Bars keep and it had no effect no matter what i try

[jenniferperez]

Do you have a tutorial on how to get rid of scratches on a tank? I just got a used Aqueon 36 gallon bow front tank, and it has a scratch in the middle of the front. I couldn't get rid of it.

[unknownuser]

Do a video on how to clean a used dirty filter

[paullawrie]

Off to the Google to figure out how much a gallon is

[autumnskyes]

I am going to be getting a couple hex tanks somebody gave up on. From the pics they're pretty rough. Some videos I've watched use this stuff called Barkeepers Friend. Know I know using chemicals is not a good thing but I'm still curious. What's your opinion on this?

[lottrn]

Thank you!!!! My beta fish tank cracked and spilled in the middle of the night (thank god I got woken up by the grinding filter) and I had an old extra 5 gallon is storage, so this really helped! Thank you!!!

[kingswatersystems]

Great video! Would you do a video on tank disinfection using Kings Water Systems? We make a hand held machine that creates ozone, hydrogen peroxide and chlorine. It is designed to not only kill all bacteria but reduce orders and tastes.

[jacksonjones]

I have a question I know the simple vinegar water works but my problem is its easy to wash in rinse smaller tanks that you can move is vinegar/water toxic to fish I have a 240 gallon tank I can't just carry out in the yard flip it on its side what can I do it does have holes for the sump can I leave those open in rinse that way in how to tell if I get it all out 100%

[tapalasudha]

Nice
You use vinegar.
It doesn't damage fish's

[firestormgaming]

so I used this method with the vinegar and the tank smells a lot like vinegar. And so I was wondering how can I make it smell better.

[mokhan]

Hey I've just rebuild a aquarium and used 100% alcohol how would I know make the aquarium fish safe, of I just wait for it to set then rinse with water or use your way?

[arcaneeclipse]

Is there a smaller ratio of of vinegar to water I’m fine with using this but I like to have something a bit smaller my tank isn’t to big

[asdf-ungs]

Mmm, that'll do if the calcium stains are recent, but in my case, even soaking the aquarium with vinegar for days did nothing.

[davidg.]

Wait I can't clean the tank with tap-water after I used the vinegar?

[georgesdermesropian]

You can clean the aquarium with the lemon salt, to put an amount of the lemon salt on a sponge and to wet with hot water, apply immediately on the glass . This way you don't have to use a blade or to scrub down the aquarium and you get rid of algae . Please wear a rubber gloves .

[whitetrashandhellbound]

Fuck yeah yeah... I love the DIY guys. I have made 75 - 200g canister filter... refurbished old tanks to New... homemade filter media... my fish are healthier and bigger then ever. You guys keep stepping up my Aquarium Game every video... Thanks!! You guys are the best on YouTube by far.

[lexrexyt]

I had an aquarium for 5 years now i set it up and bought an white crayfish and my water is so cloudy

[divinedagnalan]

Did anyone noticed that H2O+Vinigar? Lol at