I'm plannin on buyin a 55 gallon from a guy tomorrow. I haven't seen the tank or talked to the guy myself, so I'm not quite sure what to expect. In any case....if it's got that crusty white residue on the glass or the rest of the tank, what have you guys found to be the best thing to clean it with/get it off? If I use any chemicals will they go away with cycling, or will it permanently alter the water? Like i said, i haven't seen it myself, so it might not be in that bad of shape. My uncle just mentioned the guy had said it just needs to be cleaned.....just gettin a heads up before i go tomorrow. Thanks.
cleaning tank glass
- Thread starter hoamskilet
- Start date
I can generally clean most anything with hot water and some elbow grease. I usually clean anything I get used with a mild bleach solution and rinse it very well and let it air dry. Probably not usually necessary, but gives me peace of mind 
You could also use a mild ammonia solution to clean with. Be sure that it's 100% pure ammonia with no additives. And rinse, rinse, rinse. After you clean the tank you can use the same ammonia to fishless cycle your tank!
I've also seen people here recommend using OxyClean. I wouldn't use any other types of chemicals or scented ammonia/bleach cleaners.
You could also use a mild ammonia solution to clean with. Be sure that it's 100% pure ammonia with no additives. And rinse, rinse, rinse. After you clean the tank you can use the same ammonia to fishless cycle your tank!
I've also seen people here recommend using OxyClean. I wouldn't use any other types of chemicals or scented ammonia/bleach cleaners.
Cleaning the white residue of of tanks is never an easy thing.
The very best way I have found to do it is a Razor blade with a mixture of warm water and regular white vinegar. Then wipe with a clean cloth. (no fabric softener)
Just mix 50/50 into a spray bottle or a bowl. Wet down the parts with the cloth. Use the razor on the glass (careful of the silicone) and the cloth on the plastics (molding etc...)
Rinse afterwards with warm water.
Works like a charm.
BTW: It also works (the mixture) when getting rid of winter salt stains on car carpets.
The very best way I have found to do it is a Razor blade with a mixture of warm water and regular white vinegar. Then wipe with a clean cloth. (no fabric softener)
Just mix 50/50 into a spray bottle or a bowl. Wet down the parts with the cloth. Use the razor on the glass (careful of the silicone) and the cloth on the plastics (molding etc...)
Rinse afterwards with warm water.
Works like a charm.
BTW: It also works (the mixture) when getting rid of winter salt stains on car carpets.
I think that Jungle makes a green color solution called lime away it works good. This was 6 years ago. So maybe it is not around anymore. I have jut got back into the hobby 2 months ago. Best bet would be to ask the local fish store. Not petsmart or walmart. not everyone that works at those places knows what they are talking about.
I have had good results with razor blades and white vinegar. Lime away (unless we are talking about a different product than I am accustomed to) is muriatic acid. I don't know if it is a godd idea to use it or not, but it will definately remove any lime from the glass. If you need something with a little bit of abrasive factor, use table salt on a damp rag. I've never had it scratch the glass, it rinses away well, and ultimately if there happens to be a little residue left it won't hurt your fish.
Dave
Dave
The vinegar/water worked pretty well. Discovered after getting it all cleaned up there's quite a few hairline scratches in the glass. Don't know how noticeable they would be filled with water and what not. Just glad he let me take it home and clean it up before I paid him. Thanks for the help.