Cleaning new (to me) tank, ideas

[Lairel]

I just picked up a new tank, the previous owner didn't have the time to take care of it and boy does it ever show. It smells, and is fuzzy and crusty. I am planning on tossing the gravel (i already have a bucket taking up space with gravel in it), I'm rehoming the 6" catfish that somehow survived in the tank. I'm planning on reusing the ornaments in the tank but need to clean them. I read somewhere about a 10% bleach solution for ornaments that are very dirty. It makes me a little wary. Also what is the best method for cleaning, scrubbing, the gunk off the tank, filter, hood... etc. Previously I have used aquarium sand as an abrasive to clean a tank, and I have algae pads too.

 

[Xtophr]

White vinegar, rinse thoroughly:

http://www.myaquariumclub.com/what-...use-to-clean-a-fish-tank/aquarium-299844.html

 

[SilentBenjam]

cover everything in salt, and leave it a couple days, kills all the green stuff (algae, water weed etc.), but make sure you rinse it REALLY well afterwards.