Picked up new (to me) 144 gallon half circle tank... need some help.

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johnnytaboo

johnnytaboo

Fire Eel
MFK Member
May 4, 2005
1,123
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68
MD, DC, VA
Greetings fellow MFK'ers,

I picked up one of my dream tanks last night: an Oceanic 144 gallon half circle (will post pics in a minute). It measures 57" L x 29" W x 29" H. I know it's not the most useful footprint for a Monster fish tank, but I've always thought it was a really beautiful tank shape. Now, I have a few issues I was hoping you all could help me work through.... Actually my questions range from cleaning of the tank to filtration (since this is the first drilled tank I've ever owned). For now, I guess I'll just start with the cleaning issue.

1. It was formerly a salt water tank, and I plan on doing fresh. The back panel as well as the overflows are coated in a very tough layer of salt or mineral build up (whatever that stuff that builds up on the back of marine aquariums is). I went at it last night with a metal paint scraper and a wet sponge. 45 minutes of work ended with me clearing a 8"x8" area. Is there anything I can do that will speed up the removal process? If the only solution is elbow grease, I figure I might have the back of the tank scraped clean by mid January....

2. Since it WAS a saltwater tank, is there anything else I should do to make sure it's safe for freshwater fish when I eventually get it set up?

3. This tank did not come with a stand. Some of you may be aware that the stand that originally came with the beautiful tank was a particleboard POS, and no one seems to know why. My thought was to purchase 2 of the black pine stands for the 54 gallon corner aquariums and somehow attach them together forming a half circle stand. Thoughts? It's either that, or I suppose I'll have to have one custom built.

I have a LOT more questions, but these are the most pressing for now. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John
 
I think i read vinegar can get get rid of some of the salt deposits, so maybe get an old towel or rag and soak it in vinegar and try and cover one area at a time for say 10 min then scrape away :)


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Fat Homer said:
I think i read vinegar can get get rid of some of the salt deposits, so maybe get an old towel or rag and soak it in vinegar and try and cover one area at a time for say 10 min then scrape away :)


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Click to expand...

Agreed. I use a vinegar solution for cleaning off mineral deposits on the glass.
 
Cool tank, just clean it up and it will be ready for fresh water,
 
Thanks everyone. Guess I'll pick up some white vinegar and a spray bottle on my way home tonight. Hopefully that will speed this up a bit.

In regards to the stand idea, anyone have any opinions. I was thinking of buying two of these --> http://www.aqueonproducts.com/products/classic-pine-bow-front-stands.htm (54 gallon black pine)
Seems like two of those together would create a stand that would be 59.6" L x 29.8"D x 28"H. I just don't know if the tanks are intended to sit IN or ON the cabinet. Thoughts?
 
rwellbaum said:
i would try to make a custom DIY stand
Click to expand...

I wouldn't trust my handi-work; however, I would gladly entertain he possibility of purchasing one from someone more skilled than myself. My brother is a pretty handy welder, but I really want the look of a black pine stand.
 
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