Questions about upgrading to 10 gallon

[BettaPirate]

So I found a 10 gallon with light hood on craigslist for $15 and it is in pretty good condition, no cracks and might or might not need a new bulb. The fish these people had did not die of disease but of old age or getting caught in the filter they had for it.

Questions:
Can I just rinse and scrape with hot water since diseases usually die out of water?
Or should I use vinegar or bleach to be sure?
Do I NEED to have a filter in a 10 gallon or is it just recommended?
If it is a NEED can I wait a month or two until I can afford a nice one?
Do you HAVE to cycle a 10 gallon? or is it just helpful?

Thanks!

[shellieca]

Congrats on the good deal. I think most people err on the side of caution & sanitize. So I would go the bleach route, I think 10:1 water:bleach. Rinse thoroughly & let dry for a couple days. Make sure you have thoroughly inspected the silicone for any line of damage & do a leak test in a safe place. A filter is not required & yes if you choose to add one you can do that at any time. The tank won't cycle unless you use a filter so if you choose no filter you won't have to worry about it.

[BettaPirate]

thanks! I just hope someone else doesn't snatch it up before I can make it out to pick it up :)