Best way to clean a tank

Title says it all. My empty 75 has a few milky stains on the back wall, this was a tank that was used so its got its normal wear and tear. Just wanna know whats the best medium to use, and techniques. I was thinking since its empty some commercial products like Kaboom or Oxyclean. Ive heard vinegar works but whats the best bang for my buck? TIA

 

I'd steer clear of any commercial cleaning products! they could leech into your seals and then leech back out again! I'd just use vinegar and or bleach, some razor blades and elbow grease!

 

Vinegar no commercial cleaners

 

Thanks for the reply man. Trust me ive got my blades ready!! Please dont take this the wrong way, but is there actually any hard evidence that things can seep into the silicone and then in return come back out? i mean i get it, better safe than sorry but i mean i just cant imagine it being like super detrimental. I could tape the silicone too with painters tape to make sure i dont get it any where near it.

Ill probably end up with vinegar, but if i can spray some solution on it and just blade away, that be nice.

 

I've read debate after debate about this, mostly about copper based medications, and the general consensus is, with copper mind you, that, chances are if cleaned, there's probably not enough absorbed to cause a major problem!

heres my $.02 though! You're gonna prob drop $500-1000 in livestock/corals into that tank and MONTHS and MONTHS, why risk it to be lazy and save a few hours? NOTHING in this hobby comes quick, cheap or easy!IMO! Stretch out, grab a 12 pack and get er done!

 

Sir yes SIR! lol thanks again, imma get a squirt bottle, make a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water, and get my scrape on. oh and that 12 pack

 

i have a 7 year old just for such tasks, they dont help a whole lot but are good for breathers! I suggest ya look into one!

 

The cleaners (or copper as mentioned) can seep between the silicon and glass and get trapped there, everytime we bump the silicon slightly when cleaning the tank we risk pulling the edge up ever so slightly and giving the chemicals a place to "hideout".

That being said, vinegar might be your best bet as its probably calcium/hard water stains you are seeing and the acetic acid will break that up no problem and it's safe to use in the tank.

 

+1 Vinegar Only!

 

Vinegar and something non abrasive.maybe a razor if needed