Some second hand tank questions.

**kilyth** · 11-04-2011, 09:02 AM

I took delivery of my new 120L tank last night. It looks plenty big enough, for the time being anyway, I just have some quesions about it.

1) It seems to have been used in a hard water area before as there's a white crust on the filter and the sides. What's the best way to get rid of this.

2) The substrate is currently crushed black glass. It looks cool but since I'm planning on using it for goldfish initially it probably needs to be changed. What's the best substrate to use? Pea gravel?

3) It's slightly longer than I'd anticipated at 1 metre. The table I have is 90cm. Would it be dangerous to have 5cm sticking over each end?

**genocidex** · 11-04-2011, 09:10 AM

1) lime away works or clr. just rinse very well after

2) i like sands personally

3) i would say yes its dangerous at the very least put a very strong piece of wood that will be big enough for the tank down first. just remember when all is said and done you are looking at about 440 pounds give or take

**kilyth** · 11-04-2011, 10:12 AM

Would there be any reason not to use large size dried wood chips as a substrate? I understand that the tannins may discolour the water for a while, but that wouldn't be harmful, and they'd give a lovely, natural look.

**genocidex** · 11-04-2011, 10:16 AM

where are you getting these chips from? if its mulch i say no. mulch is usually treated wood. i would stay away from wood unless you know its not treated and a good hard wood. other things to consider but i cant think of them because ive been up 30 hrs lol

**kilyth** · 11-04-2011, 11:02 AM

Thanks for the advice. Now go get some sleep!

**Trillianne** · 11-04-2011, 04:06 PM

1 - Vinegar will also work on removing hard water stains. And you may even have some of that at your house already ^-^b

Secondly Please review the goldfish sticky here:
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=47133
Before you go out shopping so you know which and how many will fit in your tank.

**kilyth** · 11-04-2011, 05:49 PM

I think I have some. Brown or white vinegar?

It's only going to be home to one goldfish. I know they prefer more company, but he's been on his own for 10 years in the garden pond, so he'd probably see small petshop goldfish as a snack, and at the moment I don't have the money or space for a tank big enough for 2 grown ones. It's really so he can live out his last days somewhere with better filtration and less snow.

**Trillianne** · 11-04-2011, 06:26 PM

White is probably better. Not sure basalmic/brown would be as effective plus its rather pricey compared to the white.

**Goes to 11!** · 11-04-2011, 08:00 PM

Use the white vinegar.

Originally Posted by kilyth

Would there be any reason not to use large size dried wood chips as a substrate? I understand that the tannins may discolour the water for a while, but that wouldn't be harmful, and they'd give a lovely, natural look.

Aside from what has been mentioned, The first issue I see is that wood chips float. [At least initially, Not sure how long it would take to soak/sink them]

Originally Posted by kilyth

3) It's slightly longer than I'd anticipated at 1 metre. The table I have is 90cm. Would it be dangerous to have 5cm sticking over each end?

Yes, Dangerous is a good description. Glass tanks need to supported all the way around their frames perimeter. As mentioned there will be significant weight on it.

**kilyth** · 11-06-2011, 10:37 AM

Thanks for all the advice, especially about the vinegar; I have never seen anything cut through limescale like it. Even for the really tough bits I just wrapped a vinegar soaked tissue round it for a few minutes and it just wiped right off.

Just one note; if you're tempted to use crushed glass as a substrate, don't. Considering how irritated it made my fingers it must be awful for fish. And it makes a horrible screeching sound when you're trying to scoop it out.

I think I'll move this to the journal forum now.