using bleach to disinfect tank.

[ewurm]

Screw bleach. I use Toilet bowl cleaner. Clears the calcium buildup, algae and bacteria in seconds. Just be sure to rinse VERY well.

 

[guppy]

Toilet bowl cleaner is very toxic so if you do that then as Ewurm says, rinse VERY well. For medical grade disinfection a 10% solution is recomended and can be removed as soon as it is used.
I would recomend draining the tank down to a few gallons, adding a quart of non-detergent bleach and sloshing it around for several minutes. Then just refill and drain several times using clean water. The final time you refill it add dechlor, wait an hour and then test for cholrine. It should be fine.
I have done this and never had it effect my seals.

 

[batang_mcdo]

hi,

mmm so vinegar can neutralize bleach
thanks. but i have sodium thiosulfate crystals , whick i'll use to nuetralize the chlorine bleach
not sure what to put in the tank afterwards.

 

[H20Boy]

I use fresh tap water when I want to clean a saltwater tank as fresh water seams to kill anything in the tank, I simply fill it with fresh water and let it stand for day or two.

I wonder if you could use a bunch of rock salt to raise the salinity (much cheaper then aquarium salt) and achieve the same results?

Just a thought.

 

[Lil_Stinker]

If you rinse with vinegar, the bleach will be neutralized and the tank will be safe. I learned this trick from a friend from Germany who is an amazing discus breeder. I have been doing it for over 20 years and NEVER lost 1 fish. Hope this helps.
Mike

ACETIC ACID (Vinegar) CH3CH2OH
Chlorine Cl

Vinegar neutralizes bleach and any other chlorine products, however do NOT mix bleach and vinegar except in small amounts, as it produces chlorine gas which can be deadly.

The product of bleach and baking soda are much safer.