Calcium removal....

[HawgHunter]

I know everyone has to deal with the calcium build up on their aquarium(s)....what would be a good, cheap way of removing this crap? I've got plenty of elbow grease, but thier has to be something better. Something good for both the glass and plastic trim....

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Calcium removal....

With fish in the tank = razor blade

Without fish in the tank = Vinegar

The way I do it (like for glass tops that you can lay flat) is to put a paper towel on the glass top, pour some vinegar on the paper towel so it's all wet but not running all over the place, and walk away for about 30 minutes.  By the time you come back, the gunk is all soft and just comes right off.  Piece of cake.

[alexarae]

Re: Calcium removal....

I'm with girlgeek...I use vinegar and H2O if there are no fish there and if there are...a sharp razor blade is the answer.  

[PhishPhreek]

Re: Calcium removal....

I it with  KABOOM
Shower, tub & tile cleaner w/ organic acids & surfactant

[szidlon]

Re: Calcium removal....

With fish in the tank, elbow grease and a razor blade, empty tank, vinegar.  I could actually use some of that elbow grease and razor blade method in one of my tanks.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Calcium removal....

muriatic acid

[HawgHunter]

Re: Calcium removal....

Great ....vinegar sounds like the trick....I'd imagine the elbow grease is going to come into play one way or another.

[PhishPhreek]

Re: Calcium removal....

Has anyone here had Calcium buildup in a tank filled with RO water ?

Actually, I think RO water will disolve the calcium over time.......

Just a reminder, you should drain your water heater once a year to clear out all the calcium that is liberated when you heat the hard Houston water.
If not it will eventually plug your HWH and you will have to replace it....
instead of buying that great fish or that next fish tank.

[HawgHunter]

Re: Calcium removal....

Oh man....when I lived in Crockett, we replaced the propane water heater for electric....used that thing less than a year before we moved back to Houston. When I drained it there was this HUGE pile of calcium on the ground 8O ....it was unbelievable.
Now that I'm in Tomball, the water isn't so bad....the PH comes out at about 7.8.