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Used tank disenfection

25 9:47:26

Question
I recently bought a big tank. I would eventually like to make this tank a salt water reef. The problem is, this tank is used and the previous owner used copper to treat a fresh water ich problem. The tank is dry right now with a white calcium-copper film on the glass. I was going to use vinegar and water, is that good enough? I realize that I need to test for copper afterward, is any trace acceptable? Can traces be filtered out effectively? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time Rich in Michigan.

Answer
I would use 1 cup bleach to 10 gal of water and scrub it with algae pads and use rubber gloves and eye protection. razor the glass if it doesn't come clean. rinse about 5 times and let sit with clean water for a few days and test for any and all. ammonia, copper, etc. if clean make your salt mixture and go slow. it takes a while for conditions to be perfect and be able to support reef life.