JackSpadesSI
Aquarium Advice Freak
I'm going to set up a 30-gallon aquarium this weekend. It was my old aquarium when I was a kid, so it hasn't been used in ~14 years. I need to clean it before fish can live in there.
I know that I can't use soaps or anything antibacterial, as their residue would be harmful to fish. But, does that mean I'm limited to hot water and elbow grease? Is there any cleaning product that is safe? Rubbing alcohol or vinegar? I assume those would evaporate and be rinsed out, right?
Also, as far as leak-checking, I plan to fill it up and let it sit for an hour. Is that adequate? What are the chances that there is a very minor leak that wouldn't be an issue within an hour, but could be disastrous over a year? What are your experiences with the integrity of silicone seals that have sat in a basement for over a decade?
I know that I can't use soaps or anything antibacterial, as their residue would be harmful to fish. But, does that mean I'm limited to hot water and elbow grease? Is there any cleaning product that is safe? Rubbing alcohol or vinegar? I assume those would evaporate and be rinsed out, right?
Also, as far as leak-checking, I plan to fill it up and let it sit for an hour. Is that adequate? What are the chances that there is a very minor leak that wouldn't be an issue within an hour, but could be disastrous over a year? What are your experiences with the integrity of silicone seals that have sat in a basement for over a decade?