how to clean inside scale on inhabited tank?

[kaytlu]

hard water scale is endemic to this area... I really hate how it looks & it tends to build up right around the rim & at the inside top where water level fluctuates a bit due to evaporation.

how can I clean it from a tank safely while the fish & plants are still inside?

[ptran]

Razor blade.

[kaytlu]

no magic gizmo? secret solution? tried & tested ritual invocation?

[ptran]

Lol new razor blade is the best bet: safe and inexpensive!


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[kaytlu]

What about vinegar? I've used it on the outside to clean up scale cloudy spots, but have been scared to try it on areas where it might drip or run down into tank water.

Considering the fact that my water is definately hard, it seems like it would take a pretty big amount to jar it out of it's GH groove?

Would'nt want to have pickled fish, though...

[morpheus]

i use a combination of vinegar and lemon juice to remove hard water stains. both are nontoxic, and in small amounts of residue, will not cause any harm. granted i did not do this while fish were in the tank.

like ptran said...i would get what you can with a scraper/razor before going the chemical route. everywhere in houston has hard water, and my tanks have that crust and streaks like the rest of the city. i take the glass canopy off and clean it in the tub periodically.

scoop out the large calcium chunks with a net, and ensure the smaller bits get filtered out.

[ptran]

I'm thinking a little bit of vinegar won't kill the fish, but why take any chances.

[kaytlu]

I really just hate the stuff. I've thrown tanks away rather than try to rescue them... It just so frustrating to think you've got it all & sit down for a well earned rest, just to see there are still streaks and spots (especially bad under high light)