cleaning a used tank

I just bought a used 40gal tank that was originally a freshwater setup.

How should I clean it?

 

Rinse, scrub with a clean sponge until there's no crud on any of the glass.

You made sure copper was never used in it?

 

should i used bleach or something?

I didn't make sure a/b copper. hopefully a chemical, scrubbing, good filter will help. right?

 

There's not too much you can do if copper was used in it. I think there's some stuff you can use in the tank (I think it's a filter pad), but it takes a while to work(?). I'll let someone who knows more elaborate on that.

You can use bleach if you want. Unless there's something stuck on the glass, I wouldn't worry about bleaching down everything.

 

i wouldn't used bleach at on just to be safe. just dont scrub to hard or your asking for a broking tank and cut up hand.

 

once your done cleaning, I'd do a couple good rinses with hot water and some white vingear and let it air dry outside.

 

how could Cu have been used to begin with?

 

As a medication.

 

I'd use vinegar to clean it. Straight up white vinegar (not diluted) will cut right through most crud and any residual vinegar (if you don't rinse it well enough) will be harmless to tank inhabitants. I've always used white vinegar to clean tanks and equipment (also to make stronger kalk mix) and have never had a single problem because of it's use.