QuestionI 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.
AnswerI 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.