How to clean a used tank?

[Haileyjade]

Yesterday I picked up a 30 gallon off of craigslist. Came with a wrought iron stand, 2 power filters, a hood/light, and some various plastic plants and rocks (which I will not be using).

According to the seller, it has been in his basement a year. He used it to house his pond fish in the winter, but after a losing his fish last summer decided he didn't want to do it anymore. Anyway, the tank and filters are in dire need of a cleaning. Grime is pretty crusted on it.

Without using soap, how do you recommend I tackle cleaning this thing? I don't think the picture does it's filth justice lol.

 

[Brookster123]

Vinegar and elbow grease

 

[captaincritical]

I second the vote for vinegar. If it really isn't coming off, you could make a weak bleach solution, but make sure you rinse THOROUGHLY.

 

[Pamiam]

Of course scrub and rinse, rinse and more rinse...but also let it air dry to remove any residue vinegar that a towel can not get

 

[Haileyjade]

Thanks all. I'm going to give it a try later. I hope I don't have to resort to bleach, but I have a feeling it might come to that. :/ oh well, I'm just happy for an upgrade!