Used 50G help

[Stefernini]

I just acquired a 50 gal tank from a friend with everything, but its all dirty! I haven't owned a tank in about five years and after reading these forums I realized I did just about everything wrong before so now I want to get it right. Lets just pretend that I am completely new to the hobby

Anyway, it's a slightly dirty 50 gal tank and it came with a dirty Magnum 350 canister filter. Any advise on how to properly clean these items before getting started so there is no harmful residue left? There are water marks inside the tank and calcium buildup on the hood and detritus left in the filter, but not much and it's all dried out. Is it safe to use chemicals? Keep in mind it's freezing out and I can't just take the tank outside and hose it down. Also, I know nothing about canister filters at all, so any advise on how to set it up and what to put in it would be great!

I have a feeling I'll be asking tons of questions as I go, but I'll try to keep them to one issue at a time

Thanks all!

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Hi and welcome!
A razor blade and vinegar will work wonders on the water marks (make sure you rinse really well afterwards). I would replace the filter media and start fresh. Hot water will be enough to clean the substrate. In case you haven't already seen them I will link the cycling guides for you.
FISHLESS
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forum...guide-and-faq-to-fishless-cycling-148283.html

FISH IN
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/artic...g-but-I-already-have-fish-What-now/Page2.html

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f12/fish-in-cycling-step-over-into-the-dark-side-176446.html

 

[Ardynas]

+1 on the vinegar and razor blade. Just don't scratch the glass and make sure to let the vinigar sit on the areas you want cleaned for about 20 minutes. Soak a cloth or paper towel and let it sit on areas without evaporating. Once the vinegar does it's job the razor blade will get it off.

This should be the manual for the 350 http://www.marineland.com/sites/Marineland/Documents/magnum_manual.pdf

 

[Stefernini]

Thank you on the vinegar idea! I use it to clean other stuff but it didn't occur to me for the tank. Duh

The filter came empty, no media, just left over grodies. Thanks for the link to the manual!

Now to get started scrubbing.

Next question: What would be a good substrate for a planted tank? I'm thinking pool filter sand and Eco-complete mixed, but not sure on the sand.

I do plan on running a fishless cycle