alage

Question
I got a tank given to me that was used as a salt water tank, a toxin from a sponge toy killed the fish.  The tank was emptied out and filled w/water and just sat. So a blueish alage comsumed the tank.  What should I do to clear/clean to reuse as a fresh water tank.  Can the rock/ornaments be cleaned?

Answer
I would replace the gravel and the decorations. Saltwater tanks usually have gravels, rocks, shells and corals that release a lot of minerals to make the pH higher and the water harder. You don't want that in a freshwater community tank. Get all new freshwater-safe decorations and it will be fine. Replace all the filter media too. You never know what it may have absorbed.

Just rinse everything else such as the filter, top and tank itself. You can use a baking soda paste and clean wet paper towel on stains. Rinse very well and, fill 'er up!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins