[Need Help] Cleaning a fish tank, I have a problem...

I have a 10g tank I will be using for my fuge.I am cleaning with about 60% water & 30% distilled vinegar. I was cleaning it out earlier and got about 1/3 done when I noticed a black ink in the water. It was from the scrubber I am using. It is filter pads(unused, of course) from a HOB filter I had that I don't use anymore.

Will this be harmful to fish if I put it in for a day or two once cleaned out?

These are the filters I was using to clean with.
Skilter Bio-Matrix Cartridges & Carbon

Just the black side. They are rougher than the white.

I don't have any unused toothbrushes around. Or an old credit card.

Her's some pictures. Will this black in be harmful to the tank? I've already emptied it out for now.


The tank.




The ink from the filters. I think it is like the die from coloring?

 

It's kind of hard to see the ink. But it gives the water a blue/black hue..

 

bump.

Guess it will be ok?

 

That is supposed to be a carbon pad if I remember correct. You will definitely want to rinse out the pad well if you use it. I would not since you have started breaking the pad down by using it as a scrub pad.

 

Crap. So it's[the tank] not safe now? Or can I just....

 

I need something abrasive to use on the dry scum, stuff.

 

I would personally fill the tank up with that 60/40 vinegar mixture, let it sit a day, then rub anything left over with a paper towel.

 

In a situation where you're just cleaning out a tank before adding life, and will have the opportunity to wash and dry it out--you're fine. You can use bleach, vinegar, CLR for scale if necessary, or almost any other cleaner. The key point is to wash it thoroughly afterwards with soapy water, rinse with fresh water, then allow to dry completely.

After all this, you'll know by appearance alone if the tank is ready. If any crud remains, wash it again, and repeat until it looks like a new tank.

 

where i live a 10 gallon tank at petco is $9.99

 

I think you will be fine. if you have hard crud on the glass i would use a rozor blade to scrape it off. As far as the tank I would use Reefsparkys suggestions about washing it out.