setting up old tank(s)

Question
I have two fish tanks that have been just sitting outside for a few years now one is 10 gal and the other is a 55-60 gal I believe., I miss having fish around to watch and care for. I'm wanting to get them back up and running. How do you think I should go about cleaning them out so that they're safe for whatever fish I choose, I've been thinking Bala's for the larger tank and a betta and ADF for the smaller one. Any advice would be helpful as I am a little rusty at having fish tanks, Thank you!

Answer
Rachael,
All you have to do is clean them out real good with hot water. You can add a little bleach to it but make sure you rinse them out real well. Once cleaned let them sit out in the hot sun to dry. DO NOT use any kind of soap because it will kill any fish you put in. When you are ready to set up the tanks don't forget about the cycle process. This take 4 to 6 weeks to accomplish. During the cycling of the tank there are no fish. In the tank you add the gravel, filter, for the larger thank, and the heater. Any decorations will be put in as well. Turn on the filter and wait. The first bacteria bloom happens about 2 weeks into the cycling process. This is the bad bacteria. The second bacteria bloom happens 4 to 6 weeks into the cycling process. This is the bacteria that is beneficial to the fish. Once the second bloom happens, you will test the water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates daily. As long as you are registering any ammonia or nitrites, the tank is not ready. When you have tested 5 days in a row with the ammonia and nitrites level at zero and nitrates no higher than 20ppm, the tank is ready for fish. As for the tank with the Betta. Sometimes you can add the ADF and then sometimes you cannot. Each Betta has its own personality and what you can add with one will not work for another. Remember, the frog has to come to the surface to breath and they are not good swimmer. Usually the water level is lower for the frogs. As for the Bala sharks, the 55-60 gallon tank will work for a short time, but they can grow to 10 to 14". I have included an awesome website all about the Bala and what it needs to be happy and healthy. I hope this has helped and if you have any other question(s), don't hesitate to as.

http://www.balashark.info/bala_shark_care.php