I was looking for a quick way to get all of the algae and sterilize my 2.5 gallon mini bow tank to get it ready in case another little betta needs me to take him home. My question is this - can I put it in the dishwasher and then follow that with several rinses of hot water to get the soap residue off? Or will this totally damage the tank?

If the answer is no, then I will use my tank cleaning brushes and some bleach solution, I was just honestly looking for a quick fix.

mm i wouldn't put it in the dishwasher... just because i dunno. but acrylic is easy to scratch... so if you scrub, be careful. with my acrylic 2.5 gal, i usually just used my hands... or maybe a wet paper towel.

I personally wouldn't take the chance on it.I can't say for sure what would happen,but I wouldn't want to have to spend more money for doing it.If you fill the tank with water,and add 1 part Bleach,or Vinegar,and let it sit a bit,that usually does the trick pretty fast. I rinse extremly well,and go over it with a soft non scratching towel.

Don't EVER use paper towels on an acrylic tank. Paper towels will leave very fine little scratches on the tank making it look hazy. Use soft terry cloth towels, preferably washed without fabric softener, to wipe an acrylic tank.

Pretty much what I figured you guys would say. Just proves that being lazy doesn't pay off!

hmm i didn't know that... thanks' fer letting me know. i should let my bf know that too since i don't know how he cleans it out.