Hi, I've been gifted a setup that has sat empty for about a year, it's an Aqua Home 60 (60 litres) with an Aqua cartridge filter and heater. It also has some white gravel and a black aquarium soil substrate that have got all mixed up together.
My main concern is how best to clean the tank? It's glass and has some dirty spots inside. I've seen you shouldn't use soap but just a cloth isn't doing it. Also the gravel and soil have been washed through several times, but of course I can't get the water to run clean because of the soil breaking up. Is it ok to use, bearing in mind it's all mixed, or would it be better to get fresh? I am trying to keep costs to a minimum...
I know to get a test kit and wait until it's all settled down before I get fish, but has anyone suggestions for the best mix of fish to add? I'd like a few fresh plants too.