glass tops hardwater stains

[debaric]

how do I get hardwater stains off my glass tops. I feel that this is impairing my light into the tank. Thanks

[toddnbecka]

CLR (calcium and lime remover) is probably one of the best options, or you can try scraping with a razor blade if the buildup is really heavy.

[Lupin]

You can always ask Mg how. He's the king of water spots. You can use vinegar though.

[debaric]

where do you get calcium and lime remover?

[inkyjenn]

any grocery store or hardware store

[Hollygirl]

I use vinegar, and for tough spots I use a razor blade.

[josh05magnum]

Is there any way to PREVENT the white stains. Or algae buildup on the top glass?
Not to hi-jack, might be relevant to the OP. But I noticed my staining has increased since adding a bubble-disk, and algae growth right above it has increased approximately 847.3% (number may not be entirely accurate...)

[gmh]

I second the recommendation for CLR. It works great and has other household uses. People run it through coffee makers to clear out deposits, for example.

[NYCguppydude]

Hello Everyone
Is CLR safe for use in aquariums?

[toddnbecka]

Yes, just rinse the glass thoroughly after you clean it. If it was toxic you wouldn't use it in a coffee pot...

[SuBXeRo]

i would like to know how to prevent it, AZ has very hard water, inside a week i have horrible build up.

[starrystarstarr]

every water change i scrape the glass tops with a blade. so i dont have any kind of build up.

[Squawkbert]

Citric acid adn/or vinegar & nylon scrubbie is how I usually do it - I'll have to get the CLR out... good idea!

[EllTee424]

Is there any way to PREVENT the white stains. Or algae buildup on the top glass?
Not to hi-jack, might be relevant to the OP. But I noticed my staining has increased since adding a bubble-disk, and algae growth right above it has increased approximately 847.3% (number may not be entirely accurate...)

Re-hijack.
I had the same thing in my tank (the algae growth, not the white stains) from my air stones. It's because the bubbles bursting at the surface throw some water upwards which collects on the glass top. Moist + warm surface + plenty of light = perfect for algae.
If you leave it alone for a few weeks it'll leave your tank partly shadowed from the growth on the glass blocking the light.

[tcarswell]

Vinegar always worked for me. On my saltwater tanks I cleaned them once a week.

[Fishle]

I don't understand how people have success with vinegar. I've tried soaking in undiluted white vinegar for 24 hours and it had almost no effect whatsoever. :(

[jet_mek]

Vinegar and elbow grease for mild to moderate, razor blade for heavy. CLR also works good but I'm always hesitant to use chemical cleaners around an active tank, save it for initial setups.

[Matt101905]

I used this stuff called Lemi Shine. its for automatic dishwashers. Its a powder that you put in the dishwasher. I just pore some in some hot water and mix it up then rub my glass tops down real good. Its works pretty good...there were some stuff that it wouldn't get but I don't think anything will get that stuff off. It looks like its in the glass. CLR will work too. I also used Windex to finish off cleaning the glass...looks pretty good. Oh and I used a razor blade too.

[teebob21]

Phoenix city water seems to be 60% limestone, 40% water in some sort of semi-stable temporary fluid solution.

I'm cleaning deposits off of any air/water surfaces every weekend as often as water changes. I'll second and third the recommendations of vinegar + elbow grease for translucent hard water stains, and CLR + time for opaque stains. Use single edge razor blades to scrape the softened stains from glass; I've used green "scrubbies" or Brillo pads on acrylic without scratching. Your mileage may vary.

[ryanmr]

I also use CLR and a razor blade on my glass top....just rinse whatever your cleaning really well. I use CLR on my Stealth heater as well. It gets a lot of mineral deposit built up on it.

[coach_z]

vinegar and elbow grease....

or, since my mag float is my new favorite toy....when i am cleaning the walls of my tank i do the glass top as well....it is a good general maintenance thing