PROBLEM:  We were given this DISGUSTING tank.  I would like to make it usable.

THE PLAN:  Soak this sucker in hot water, bleach, and vinegar.

How'd it get this way?  Well, apparently - the fish died and rather than clean it and put it away... the FIL just shut the door to the room and left it.  For a few YEARS. It all evaporated out.  It REALLY stinks.  As in, we've had it for a week and I can't make myself bring it in the house - STINKS.

The gravel and all the other bits are even still inside.  And STUCK to the bottom.  I think the dead fish are still in there too.  See the brown clumps.  Poor things.  *gag*

I'm not sure how much time I'll have to fool with it between now and the end of the year.  We have to clean the house and get ready for Christmas company.  I am fairly certain I don't want that smell in my house during the holiday though, so am putting off tackling this at least until next week.

If you have any tips on cleaning please feel free to share them with me.  

Also - Everything inside should be trashed, right?  Since I don't know what killed his fish (probably neglect, but you never know) I don't think I should keep anything other than the tank itself.  What do you think?

edit to add:  I uploaded a few more pics of this tank to my picasa.  You can see them here.