Cleaning a used fish tank

[Drrpm2004]

I cleaned up this new tank that I bought and it still has marks and blemishes on it. I was wondering what I can do to clean them off better?
Some of the blemishes look like the vinegar left over from cleaning. Thanks for the help.

Brandon

[nacra99]

Re: Cleaning a used fish tank

What do you mean by blemishes? Like smudges and streaking? or algae and stuff that has been caked on the glass.

If it's stuff caked on the glass (NOT ACRYLIC!), then take a single edged razor to it and it'll come off. I find that this works best if done underwater or at least when damp. Be careful not to cut into the silicone.

If it's just smudges, streaks and stuff, then just blast it with warm water and rinse well.

[Drrpm2004]

Re: Cleaning a used fish tank

It almost looks like soap that dried up on the walls of the tank. I know it's not soap, could it be calcium build up? I cleaned the whole tank with a razor and they are still visible, and I know that once you put water in it, they go away. Just trying to clean it up a bit. Thanks again

[fshfrk]

Re: Cleaning a used fish tank

I just cleaned up a used 60 gal. & tops. filled it up with water. dumped in 1/2 gal. muratic acid. and put in a little pump for circulation. let it run for 4 days. drained and rinsed multiple times. worked great!

[Hanson77]

Re: Cleaning a used fish tank

That muratic acid isn't harmful the the silicon or anything???  I thought that was some pretty bad stuff if memory serves.

If your blemishes go away when you fill the tank, I really wouldn't worry too much.  I bought a 60 gallon out of a junkyard for lack of better terms that had been sitting out in the elements for some time that had some crap baked on it looked like and the razorblade under water did the trick.  It atleast cleaned it good enough to be invisible in water.  You are going to have stuff like that on the inside of the tank when its empty that goes away as soon as you hit it with water.  If they are still visible try a sponge with a slightly abrasive side and get after it but be careful as not to scratch the glass in the process.

[PhishPhreek]

Re: Cleaning a used fish tank

I have had good luck with KABOOM shower, tub & tile Cleaner in the soap & cleaner aisle at wally world and other bulk retail outlets.

It is an organic acid & surfactants

Recomended you use safety glasses & gloves and don't drink it (DUH)  :crazy:
be sure to rince with plenty of water (check your pH)

[djmatthewblack]

Re: Cleaning a used fish tank

I think I know what you are talking about.  I get it on the underside of plastic hoods on the part where the light shines through.  Seems like a calcium buildup, like you get on metal faucets.  White hard filmy stuff.

[Lucy]

Re: Cleaning a used fish tank

API makes a citric acid based aquarium wipe.....safe for inside and out, may not harm fish (they say it won't) I have had good luck with it and it takes calcium and other gunk right off...

[dblondfemme]

Re: Cleaning a used fish tank

a razor will clean ANYTHING off the glass...as stated beware of the silicone, but I learned as I was acquiring tanks that a simple single edged razor will get all of the buildup off.

[JandJ]

Re: Cleaning a used fish tank

I have had tanks in the past that got calcium build up that would never come off. One 55G had had water sitting in it 3/4 full for a year or so in a garage and no razor would remve the ring all the way around the tank. Vinegar didn't do it, CLR didn't work and I just ignored it. I don't know why but it was almost as if the calcium leached into the glass or something. Sold the tank to a LFS in Oregon and the owner was dumbfounded when his razor blades, vinegar and other chemicals wouldn't remove it. I told him I had tried....