Who Gives A Fish Forums

So I accidentally used bleach and Harpic to clean my tank. Now there's residue everywhere. How do I get rid of it without harming my fish?

First, rinse the tank thoroughly with dechlorinated water. Bleach and Harpic contain harsh chemicals that can linger. Use a 1:10 vinegar solution to scrub the residue, then rinse again. Test the water for chlorine and other contaminants before adding fish back.

Thanks, mikero. I'll try that. How long should I wait before adding the fish back in?

flutista wrote: ↑Thu May 08, 2025 10:50 pm Thanks, mikero. I'll try that. How long should I wait before adding the fish back in?

After rinsing and scrubbing, let the tank air dry for at least 24 hours. Then fill it with dechlorinated water and run the filter for another 24 hours. Test the water parameters to ensure it's safe.

Man, that's a rough situation. I'd also recommend using activated carbon in your filter to help remove any leftover chemicals. It's a lifesaver for stuff like this.

Yeah, activated carbon is clutch. Also, maybe throw in some extra water changes for the first week just to be safe. Better safe than sorry, right?

I agree with everyone here. Just take it slow and monitor your fish closely when you reintroduce them. Stress can make them more susceptible to illness.

Your fish are lucky to have you caring for them. It's clear you're doing your best to fix this. Keep us updated on how it goes.

yo, that's a big oof. glad you're getting help tho. def follow the advice here, it's solid.

I've heard of people using baking soda paste to scrub residue. Has anyone tried that?