tank, how to get clean

jasonmom · Post by **jasonmom** » Sat Jun 27, 2015 8:20 am

Just bought a used 20g tall from pet store. They don't know what was in it. How do we get it clean? Has some white mineral deposits on it. Since we are unsure about the sealer, should we redo that & if so do we have to buy the aquarium sealer or is any 100% silicone sealer OK?Plan is now to find some tiny to small PPs in Myrtle beach on trip end of July.Thanks in advance for your help.

jenok · Post by **jenok** » Sat Jun 27, 2015 8:30 am

Not sure about the sealant. I would say if its still in good condition just leave it. If its not i'm pretty sure I read it has to be aquarium sealant.As far as cleaning goes you can use vinegar to get the mineral deposits off then rinse really well. Then fill up with a weak bleach solution and let set for a little while so it can disinfect the glass and the sealant. Drain and rinse multiple times to make sure you got as much of the bleach out as possible then air dry for a day so any smell left from the bleach or vinegar will fade and not harm the crabs. Or here is a post on a different thread from crabber85.crabber85 "Since you've had snakes in the 55 you would need to sterilize and sanitize the tank before putting your crabs in, use a mix of one cup bleach to three cups water and spray the tank down then wipe it out thoroughly then rinse it out well and allow at least forty eight hours for the tank to completely air dry and for the bleach smell to evaporate."

Laurie LeAnn · Post by **Laurie LeAnn** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 8:30 am

Yes, it has to be aquarium sealant. You can take paper towels& vinegar and soak them then plaster them in your tank for 30 min or so then scrub with a non scratchy pad and rinse very well. Only do this after sealant has cured. If there is still water Staines you can 're do it or try lemon juice make sure you look for crabs that are active, come out at you if picked up , show spunk!! If coming back on a long trip remember they need heat and humidity and will already be stressed. Survival rate drops when you get them home and the home tank cause now they are in stress #3 1.pet shop 2.long car ride home? 3. New tank. If haven't read most of the sticky threads bold black type..they are your best friend here. Not every thing will work for everyone. One rule of thumb that does help with recovery is no hands approach for one month. Just change foods, waters, clean poops, put tank in area where there isn't a lot of traffic or if you were like me not many options just take foil, paper or ? And cover all the sides of the tank but the front. Keeps them from seeing things and thinking predictors are coming for them..

jasonmom · Post by **jasonmom** » Tue Jun 30, 2015 11:13 pm

Thanks, bought aquarium sealant at Lowes