Got a free used tank, questions

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
K

kevin007

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 25, 2008
123
0
0
Toronto
Hi everyone. a friend of mine gave me a 36 gallon tank, I plan to use it to raise my cichlid fry, i have a couple of questions though.

1. The dimensions are 36"x12"x18", I don't think this is a standard size, the tank is made by Hagen. I've never had a 3ft tank before, but this tank did not come with a center brace, is this okay?

2. The tank housed piranhas in the past, but Geckos were kept in it after, meaning it has been a while since water was in it, are there anything to worry about?

Thanks
 
kevin007;3719108; said:
Hi everyone. a friend of mine gave me a 36 gallon tank, I plan to use it to raise my cichlid fry, i have a couple of questions though.

1. The dimensions are 36"x12"x18", I don't think this is a standard size, the tank is made by Hagen. I've never had a 3ft tank before, but this tank did not come with a center brace, is this okay?

2. The tank housed piranhas in the past, but Geckos were kept in it after, meaning it has been a while since water was in it, are there anything to worry about?

Thanks
Click to expand...

It's a standard 29 gallon aquarium. No need for a center brace, so all is good there.

Only thing you need to worry about is if there are contaminants in the tank from the previous inhabitants which would harm future stocks of fish.

kevin007;3719207; said:
The tank is also somewhat dirty, what can i use to clean it?
Click to expand...

A 1:10 bleach to water concentration works great for cleaning tanks. You can adjust the concentration to your liking. Soak the tank for 15-20 minutes with the solution and then scrub the walls of the tank with a sponge to eliminate any dried on gunk.

After the soak, rinse the tank 4-5 times completely. Then fill with 4x normal concentration of dechlorinator and let sit for 15-20 minutes with the dechlorinator. Afterwards, rinse once more and your tank is ready to use.

I've used this method many times with tremendous success and zero causualties or harm to my fish.
 
I will attempt to clean the tank with only water for now since the tank doesnt look that dirty, its mostly dust, I'm assuming its from the sand he used for his geckos.

Also, a standard 29G tank is 30", this tank is 36", so this is an odd size.

Thanks :D
 
a normal 30 is that foot print but 16 tall, no center brace. I cant see 6 gallons fouling you up too much
 
It will be fine with no brace.

That "free tank" won't be free after you buy filteration, heating, substrate, etc. :D My "free tanks" always cost me money lol
 
Hey guys, the tank is now set up for 42 1.5cm fry, i cant even see them lol. Theres 11 yellow labs, 12 aceis and 19 rusties.

the tank seems to be great, after i wiped it with a damp cloth a couple of times, the tank was sparkling clean.

You guys are also giving me different thoughts on the tank size, what is it? lol

This tank has been my cheapest set up as of yet. Used an old sturdy table (iron legs), new lighting fixture that i bought for $7 when it was on discount (fits perfectly), unused rocks from my mbuna tank and an unused air pump for the sponge filter.

Thanks for all the help
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom