Old tank, new start-up

[joeyswife]

I'm thinking of starting up my reef tank again. A couple of years ago I had a 24 nano cube that had a small amount of 'shrooms, rics, zoas, and inverts.
I kept a 30 gallon tank of salt water in the basement for water changes. The basement flooded and I think my husband contaminated the salt water tank with aerosol disinfecting sprays. After doing water changes with the basement water everything started dying. Do you think I can still use the tank? What should I clean it with? Should I buy a new tank? As always, any input would be great!
Jill

 

[Kmurraylhs]

You could clean it with vinegar. I would think it would only be the water that did your other tank in...I don't know for sure if there would be a problem or not. If you could pick up a used tank fairly cheap I might just do that.

 

[paulace2372]

Depending on what chemicals were used in the aerosols I would be careful, some chemicals can be absorbed by the silicone sealant on your tank. Maybe a different tank would be a safe option.

 

[joeyswife]

Thanks for the input. He used Lysol sprays. I may try using a diluted bleach rinse, I was hoping I wouldn't have to get a new tank. I still may have to think about this.

 

[carey]

Rumor has it that petco is gonna do it's dollar a gallon sale again....you might wanna call your local store and check when. You can get a 55g for 55$!!! Now that would make a nice tank!

 

[joeyswife]

Carey, space is an issue. If I had my choice I'd have a larger tank. I think I'll try Craigslist. Has anyone had any problems buying a used tank?

 

[joeyswife]

Any opinions about using goldfish as to see if they live? I know it's kinda like canaries in the mine shaft approach.

 

[carey]

I have bought half my tanks off CL and only had one lemon.

I gotta say I wouldnt do that to the goldfish. If they die its terrible, but if they live what do you do with them then? lol Just my 2 cents.....

 

[sehrhart]

Quick question since we are talking about cleaning up old systems. I have all my parts figured out except one. (got a free tank with goodies off of craigs list) It's a small silver rod about 3 inches long with a plug. It definitely was in the water it's all crusty.

Any help?

 

[TLTGF]

That's a grounding strap for your tank. You place the metal rod in the tank or sump and plug it into the wall. Theoretically, if your heater, PH's, or pump somehow find a ground in the tank the fish don't get zapped, the free electricity will find this ground and go out of the tank. Stray electricity and water = not fun.

 

[sehrhart]

That's a grounding strap for your tank. You place the metal rod in the tank or sump and plug it into the wall. Theoretically, if your heater, PH's, or pump somehow find a ground in the tank the fish don't get zapped, the free electricity will find this ground and go out of the tank. Stray electricity and water = not fun.

Thank you. It was my last puzzle piece.