What a mistake I made!!!!

[OnceLoyal]

So I put a post up about best way to clean glass pre setup.
Being all excited I was going over all my equip last night. I realized in the huddle of taking my tank down one of my FX5s was not drained and set for long term storage!!! Were talking an estimated 6 years!!!!
The smell will be unbelievable probably.
Thinking just drain, hose out, scrub with light dawn or something, soak in vinegar and just keep rinsing?? I will obviously have to see the condition of pump etc.
What about all the media?
Media in the w/d and other fx5 also???

Thanks!!!

 

[squint]

No Dawn. Just...no.

 

[deeda]

I would take the filter outside to drain it and remove all the media and then hose it down well to get all the stink out of it.

Remove and check the pump if you find any sand or substrate in the bottom of the filter.

I would use a 1/4 cup of plain unscented bleach and fill the filter with tap water and then run the filter for 1/2 hour putting the intake and output in a bucket higher than the filter to flush and disinfect the filter and media. Repeat the process using a good dechlorinator to remove all odor of the bleach.

I used this method on a filter bought used that wasn't cleaned and stunk to high heaven with great results.

 

[OnceLoyal]

I was just thinking about bleach. Was concerned for corrosion, but obviously it won't be a concern working it quickly. One the impeller shaft or whatever. Can remember what metal is in there.

 

[twentyleagues]

You should be fine with bleach and running it like D deeda said. Then just rinse it well and let it air dry a couple days. Chlorine will off gas and leave nothing behind.

 

[xraycer]

You should be fine with bleach and running it like D deeda said. Then just rinse it well and let it air dry a couple days. Chlorine will off gas and leave nothing behind.

Air drying can leave residual bleach. You want to soak everything in clean water and add dechlorinator, and let that soak for at least a day. Then a final rinse for good measures. I've learned this the hard way, a few years ago. Lost a baby small mouth bass because of this error.

 

[twentyleagues]

Air drying can leave residual bleach. You want to soak everything in clean water and add dechlorinator, and let that soak for at least a day. Then a final rinse for good measures. I've learned this the hard way, a few years ago. Lost a baby small mouth bass because of this error.

By all means take any and all precautions available. But chlorine will off gas and leave nothing behind. It won't hurt to play it safe and use a dechlorinator. Speed up the process a bit too. And absolutely rinse it very well before and after dechlorinator.

 

[markstrimaran]

Stainless steel pump shafts, can corrode in septic conditions.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; I have taken down tanks and let the stuff sit around as is for many years myself. Filters, gravel and other equipment. In the past I just gave the stuff a good rinsing. Sometimes I reuse filter media such as sponge filter sponge if it is still intact. Never worried about a deeper cleaning until tonight, thanks.
I have used bleach solution to clean tanks and stuff when some sort of disease has been an issue. After a rinse and a dose of PRIME took care of things.

I make a salt paste to clean the tanks. Just enough water to make a damp paste, then use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the glass. I use the salt as it does not scratch the glass. I do let it dry to a haze before rinsing which may dessicate (SP dry out) some critters.

 

[xraycer]

By all means take any and all precautions available. But chlorine will off gas and leave nothing behind. It won't hurt to play it safe and use a dechlorinator. Speed up the process a bit too. And absolutely rinse it very well before and after dechlorinator.

IMHO its more than a mere precaution, but as stated, I learned the hard way. Just sharing my personal experience and hopes it helps others avoid the same mistake.