View Full Version : best way to remove aquarium film on glass?
dom418
12-02-2002, 7:38 PM
Every couple of months or so I notice a white filmy build up on the inside glass of my tank. What is the easiest way to clean this? And what might it be?
i would suggest a magnet scraper, the floating kind is even better. i just chalk it off as "normal" algae and debri build up and usually only notice it if the water levels get low.
If you don't mind getting wet, an old credit card works very well for cleaning the glass...and especially acrylic.
O-man21
12-03-2002, 11:39 AM
If it's a glass tank and it's hard to get off, then use a strait razor,( watch out for fish) but if acrylic, then DO NOT use it or you will scratch the acrylic. Otherwise use a normal scraper they said to use
christopher1260
12-03-2002, 11:58 AM
i have found that on a GLASS aquarium, you can use a sponge with the nylon netting around it (3m or somebody calls them "the doobie" funny, huh?) it does take a little elbow grease, though. i don't like to use a straight razor because it's hard to clean near the silicone without damaging it.
O-man21
12-03-2002, 12:32 PM
I avoid the siliconed areas but I can still get my tank to look GREAT with a srait razor
somefinnfishy
12-03-2002, 4:48 PM
dont use the blade more than once as the blade edge will rust even if not seen will cause damage:)
On a empty tank or around the rim and outside glass vinegar works like a charm.
O-man21
12-03-2002, 5:32 PM
yes I agree with that
dom418
12-03-2002, 5:54 PM
But what is this build up? What causes it?
slipknottin
12-03-2002, 5:56 PM
lipids and proteins from uneaten food, fish waste, etc.
doing larger more frequent water changes should prevent, or at least slow down, the film growth.
O-man21
12-03-2002, 5:57 PM
And any uneatin algae
slipknottin
12-03-2002, 5:58 PM
uneaten algae? :confused:
O-man21
12-03-2002, 6:01 PM
Yea, some brown algae can build up in very thin layers and I have found that pl*cos don't like to eat it