algae in new tank

**vafa** · 02-13-2013, 12:45 AM

hi guys,
i bought the 10 gallon used aquarium some of you saw.
it looked like it had yellow water but it was lots of green algae covering the glass.
it is empty now, no fish or water or gravel.
i thought i could just remove it with my magnet algae remover.
well i was wrong.
now what do i do to remove it,
should i set it up now to cycle or remove algae first?
i will get pics asap

**vafa** · 02-13-2013, 12:56 AM

also not to side track this thread the filter that it came with is rated for 10.
but it is 90 gph, i think it is good for a 10
or am i wrong

**ddavis1979** · 02-13-2013, 12:57 AM

For a 10 gallon tank, I would use a filter rated for a 20.

I would remove the algae and clean the glass using a sponge and a razor blade. No soap.

**vafa** · 02-13-2013, 01:01 AM

so an unused sponge to remove the algae

**Strider199** · 02-13-2013, 01:03 AM

+1 to the above post. Double your filter size and clean the aquarium while its empty. If you need some thing like grit for the glass, use salt on paper towels. Vinegar works as well to clear it up. As said above, a razor blade should work well but stay away from the silicone.

**vafa** · 02-13-2013, 02:25 AM

is vineger safe for fish or if there is table salt in the aquarium?
just making sure

**mizzoutank** · 02-13-2013, 02:29 AM

Vafa,

clean it as recommended, then do a good job rinsing everything out with clean water and you'll be set.

**MandyK** · 02-13-2013, 02:46 AM

I would NOT use a razorblade. I'd be too afraid of scratching the glass. I use a spare credit card or something of the like. Works just as well, and no scratching.

**CrazedMichael** · 02-13-2013, 05:12 AM

What i would do first thing is to add hot water (not boiling) to the tank give a good scrub best you can with a new sponge (non abrasive) and tip it out and see where you are. If you still have a bit left, scrape it off with a plastic card (unused gym membership card!). Give it a wipe and spray with very diluted vinegar. then wash and rinse. Repeat as much as needed till you can no longer smell anything except maybe chlorine. Air dry it for a few days then you're good to go.

**vafa** · 02-14-2013, 02:09 AM

very bad news and good news
good news: no more algae
bad news: when i got home i saw that my dad was washing out my tank with thinner and windex!! to remvoe the algae.
i told him that your not suppose to put any chemical in your tank. (he was trying to help) within 5 minitues i filled the tank with tap water halfway 3x and emptied it. then i dryed it off with a paper towel. any other things should i do?

on one hand i am relived there is no algae because hot water and a razor blade didn't help at all or very little. but on the other hand i am worried sick.
help please