What to use to clean used tank

[holbritter]

I just bought a 15 gallon tank from a lfs that is moving ($10)
What's the best thing I could use to get all the caked salt off? I'm scraping the painted background off right now and will start on the salt next. But if there is something I could put on it to soften it, that would be great! :)

Came with a glass top too, so I need to clean that.

[Sasquatch]

If it's salt, just use water, it should dissolve.

Try adding vinegar (1 to 10 with water) if it's calcium buildup, that should dissolve it. It also won't be harmful like soaps etc... when you put fish in there.

[xoolooxunny]

I'm sure I'm going to catch A LOT of heat for what I'm about to say, but here it goes: Since it's such a small tank, I fill them with hot water and put about 1/4 cup of bleach in it, and let it soak overnight. I then rinse and re-rinse with warm water while scrubbing it until i cannot smell a hint of bleach anymore. My theory is that the water conditioners used for your tap water when you go to set up your tank will take care of any remainder left behind, if any.

[holbritter]

Well, I have vinegar, but no bleach...so I'll try the vinegar first. Thanks to both of you :)

[kimmers318]

Another thing I have used besides the bleach method is CLR....if it is safe for my coffeepot I figure I can rinse it well enough to be okay for the fish.

[Drumachine09]

Is it glass? If so, just scrape VERY carfully with a sharp razor. If you keep it flat, it wont scratch.

[Chrona]

Bleach is perfectly safe as long as you soak the tank in dechlorinator afterwards.

[sergo]

Bleach is perfectly safe as long as you soak the tank in dechlorinator afterwards.what he said ^

[holbritter]

Well, looks like I need some bleach. The vinegar worked great on the lighter stuff.
Starting to look good though! Thanks all :)