New guy, questions about restoring a tank

[neverrain]

Hey all,

Very new guy here. I've always had an interest in salt water tanks, probably leaning towards a reef aquarium with a few fish. I've read a few books about salt water aquariums as well, but do not recall anything specific to my question. Today, I acquired a tank from a buddy I helped move. The tank, a 36g glass aquarium (he thinks it's 36 gallons). The tank itself looks structurally sound (though I haven't filled it up to test, he swears it's fine).

My first question for you guys is about restoring the tank. I want to clean the hell out of it before I even think about putting water into it. The tank itself is dirty (I have attached a pic). It has water marks around the bottom of it, still has small rocks from the last time it was filled, and has been sitting in a garage for some time. My initial instinct is get some CLR or something abrasive to really clean it well, but my gut tells me that is a bad idea. Everything I seem to find on Google is in regards to cycling water and such after it has been in use. How do you guys suggest I clean this tank? Sorry for the phone pic. The tank is in the back of my gf's car still, and after a day of moving furniture in 115 degree weather (yes I checked), the last thing I want to do is move a huge glass tank.

My second question is in regards to stands. The tank itself is about 30" long and about 12" across. It's kind of a half rectangle with a rounded front. Any good sources for stands for a tank like this?

Lastly, I am located in Los Angeles, specifically in the 818 area code. Can anyone recommend a great local shop I can go to and talk about my needs for the tank?

I greatly appreciate any help with this. I'm lost =(

 

[bcool22]

Ok As for Cleaning you NEVER want to us a unnatural type of chemical like CLR. The best thing that I would recommend for you is to get about a gallon of Normal house hold Vinegar and Pour the entire thing in there. Fill the tank up and let it soak for a day. then empty about half of it or more out and use a paper towel and it will crystal clear after that.

as for the other questions I dont have the answers for that.

 

[Smitty]

Hello and welcome to the site...glad to have your aboard. I agree with bcool, water and vinegar mix will work...I've even used bleach to clean tanks, just make sure whatever you use, you rinse well.

 

[little_fish]

Hello and Welcome!


It sounds like a bowfront tank you can get through petsmart/petco so i would look there for a stand. The boys have you covered on the cleaning

 

[neverrain]

Thanks for the replies guys. I went out and bought a gallon of distilled white vinegar, so I will empty all the crap out of the tank and fill it up. That will also give me a chance to test that it holds water properly and doesn't leak.

Is it safe to assume that storing it full of water for a day will let me know if it is safe to hold water for long periods of time?

 

[bcool22]

That would be a safe bet. Normally if it does not leak after the first few minutes you can assume that it won't leak however like with mine it wasn't for a few days I notice a little salt build up on a corner. Very minor. But nothing alittle high strength thick super glue could not fix.

 

[neverrain]

OK. Thanks again bcool. I'm sure I will have many questions, but for now, I have my first task to take care of.

 

[bcool22]

Good luck. And there is nothing wrong with letting it sit for more then one day too. Mine was sitting for a few days outside. It rained on the day I had planned to clean it haha. Mine was pretty dirty and now it is crystal clear and looks amazing!