Starting over

Rowdy

I have a 55g tank, about 5 months ago a biological meltdown (now only snails are left) but i want to start it up again and since i don't know what caused it. so here is my question how to i clean it all and set it up again? how should i wash the tank and the decor to make sure that all of the harmful bacteria is gone so nothing will happen again.

zof

With out actually know what the contamination was I would wash everything down really good and start fresh, no reason to risk it.

Rowdy

yes thank you but i need to know how to clean everthing. i was thinking bleach then clean the bleach off. but i would prefer a different course of action. if there is one?

zof

If you think its chemical contamination then yea use some diluted bleach, if you think it was biological then a good wash down with regular tap water should do the trick, then let it dry for a couple of days or you can do bleach or vinegar to just be safe.

afremont

Do some reading on potassium permanganate, it pretty much kills anything and is safe and easy to use; it will stain your skin and clothing if you get the crystals on you. Hydrogen peroxide is terrific as well.

CamryDS

+1 for hydrogen peroxide.