Working on new tank set up

[Cattlemedic]

Recently was able to get a fairly large tank cheap from someone in town. Currently im trying to figure out how to get it cleaned up because it has some divider in there with a ton of caulking? I know thats not what its called I just cant remember... So im trying to figure out how to get that taken care of and decide on a substrate? I have sand in their current tank, white sand....anytime theres any algae you definitely see it and it feels like its impossible to clean once algae has touched it in anyway....

Id love some recommendations on natural looking substrates or sands that arent white and if anyone knows any easy ways to clean this tank up its much appreciated as i am 39 weeks pregnant and dont have the strength or energy to sit here and scrape on it for hours.

 

[AmberLouiseT]

Unfortunately, I think scraping and using hot water may be the only way to get the sealant off the glass I'm sorry I can't be much help with that!
There's a special fine grade silica sand for aquariums that can come in different colours, many people like the black silica sand though! It looks lovely with live plants.
Good luck with the tank x