switching tank from salt to fresh

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I have gotten SW tanks before, caked with salt, sw algae, and calcium deposits. Most people wouldn't recommend it, but I actually use toilet bowl cleaner to clean my empty tanks. It cleans the stuff off instantly. Make sure to rinse well, then fill and add prime. The next day add buffer, and then test the water. You should be good to go. My current SW setup and a couple FW tanks were cleaned this way, never had a fatality.

DISCLAIMER: DO EXACTLY AS I SAY IF YOU WANT TO TRY THIS, AND I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU TRY IT.

I am a believer that the right technique can be a great shortcut, if you are persistent in making sure you are safe before you add fish.
 
you use toilet bowl cleaner on acrylic?
 
My acrylic tank that I just picked up has the algae still on the back and sides from the previous owners salt setup. He told me to just wet it down and scrape it with a plastic scraper.

Any other recommendations? Would a bleach/water solution be better to wet it down with?

I really don't want to try toilet bowl cleaner on arylic.

Here is a pic of my new baby with my buddy standing next to it :)

PB180007.jpg
 
wright4lfe;583728; said:
you use toilet bowl cleaner on acrylic?
Click to expand...

Nice tank! Never tried on acrylic, I'd say no unless someone else has experience. Most of my tanks are glass.
 
Bud8Fan;584179; said:
...Any other recommendations? Would a bleach/water solution be better to wet it down with?

I really don't want to try toilet bowl cleaner on arylic.
Click to expand...

Very nice tank. Don't use anything with the word "scrape" in it on acrylic. The acrylic is soft and will scratch easy. Also, do not use scotch brite pads or sponges. They are way too abrasive and will also badly scratch. If water alone would have done the job, the other owner probably would have done it. If the buildup is on the outside, toilet bowl cleaner will do the job nicely. If the buildup is inside, you can still use the toilet bowl cleaner but you must rinse well before starting the setup. Muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) will take off heavy buildup too. Bleach will take care of the algae but will do nothing for the calcium buildup.
 
Thanks !

You say don't use anything with the word scrape. Whey do they sell acrylic scrapers ?
Just wondering.

I have special acrylic pads to use once the tank is set up, I just need to get the current crap off.
 
I should have clarified...the calcium build up is itself abrasive. If you scrape it off with force using a plastic scraper, the calcium under the blade can scratch the acrylic. Use a chemical to loosen it or disolve it. Using a sponge or acrylic safe pad will not put enough force on the calcium granuals to dig into the acrylic. The scraper blade concentrates the force to a very small area.
 
Gotchya, thanks for the help !
 
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