native tank

Question
Hello jaymie, I have a 125gal fish tank, its been sitting in the garage for about 5 years. I was wondering is there anything special i have to do to clean it out or just rinse it out, i want to make a native tank and wondering whats the best filter for those dirty little fish, and if its a canister filter what meida would be best. I want bluegills, perch, crappie, and maybe a small bass.

Answer
Andrew,

With the cleaning of the tank, just clean it out real well with very hot water. DO NOT use any soap in the tank. You can clean it with bleach water but you will have to rinse it out very well. If you rinse but can still smell the bleach then you need to keep rinsing. I never do that unless its very sunny outside. Letting the tank air dry in the sun after cleaning with a little bleach clears it out better. I would just start with hot water and clean it out very well. As for the last of your question, I cannot help you. I have never kept those fish so I cannot help you. I would just research each one of the fish and then set the tank up with the information you get. Good luck with your tank.