Best cleaning methods?

[Helixander]

Was thinking to use diluted bleach to clean out the tank since its been sitting empty for a few years to make sure it nice and clean for the cycling. But what about decorations and plants? Ive read at other places to wash plants briefly in hot salty treated water than a good rinse to kill off any snails or any other things that may be on them. Should I do the same for new decorations such as driftwood, sand, and stones?

[Helixander]

okay, found a nice post on driftwood, I'll keep checking through the pages of others.

[rich311k]

Brand new decorations and gravel just need a rinse.

[Helixander]

Could it be straight tap water or does it need to be dechlorinated?

[rich311k]

Tap is fine. Rinse the gravel very well.

[domjd05]

I wouldn't bleach the plastic, just the tank.

[HeatherB]

If you decide to go with bleach, make sure you rinse, rinse, rinse!
And when you fill up your tank, double or triple your dose of dechlorinator and lest it run for a while.

[Helixander]

Thanks for the info folks, was just going to use a damp cloth for the bleach cleaning, but definitely do a ton of rinsing!!

[Taurus]

I soak plastic plants in a 10% bleach\water solution once every six months. But you do have to rinse^5 and double the dose of dechlorinator. Never had a problem. Takes any algae or debris of in 20 minutes or less. I do use Prime as water detoxifier.

[Taurus]

Thanks for the info folks, was just going to use a damp cloth for the bleach cleaning, but definitely do a ton of rinsing!!

Soak'em in a bucket 10% bleach\90% water and treat as stated above. The use of Prime is not necessary, but do double the dose of whatever dechlorinator you use. As a mater of fact, rinse plants after soak, rinse bucket, fill bucket with clean water, add dechlor., resoak plants. Reset plants, add dechlorinator to tank. Bingo, you're done. :-)

[Helixander]

Thanks for your input, though I plan to use live plants instead of plastic ones.

[Taurus]

Open mouth, insert foot. Tasty. I thought we were talking about PLASTIC plants. Please accept my humble apologies. (blush)

[EddyC]

The 10% bleach solution works for live plants too. Just soak them for 2-4 minutes, depending on the sturdiness of the leaves. Soak them right after purchase to kill off any snails/eggs or algae that could be hitchhiking on them. Make sure to rinse and soak in extra-dechlorinated water as usual before putting them in the tank. Some leaves will turn yellow, but will go green again quickly.

Just thought I'd mention that.

[HorrorShowRot]

I soak everything in white vinegar it works great. Cept for the smell if you dont do it outside.

[Taurus]

Just thought I'd mention that.

Glad you did. :22:

[Helixander]

Thanks a ton folks! No worries Taurus, I was a bit vague on that point.:doh:

[Lunenburg]

I do believe this has answered my cleaning problem. I thought the use of bleach was a no-no. I'm going to give this a try.:19:

[bushwhacker]

bleach is fine . tho anytime i get a used or new tank for that matter i grab a sponge and a box of salt and give it a good scrubbin. cleans the tank and i dont have any worrys about bleach residue in the tank

[annageckos]

Vinegar works just as well as bleach. That is what I use to clean almost everything. I wouldn't use bleach dip on plants. It can be harsh and kill some plants. Do not use hot salty water to dip live plants in. I never dipped my plants so someone else will have to suggest a method. Good luck.