White calcium(?) scum marks.

[Waylander]

How can I remove them?

I scored a 25 odd gallon for A$20 second hand from a fish shop. The only problem is that there are white dribbles and streaks on the outside of three of the sides which I'm assuming are calcium build up or something. There are similar marks around where the waterline would be on the inside. I can maybe get photos if needed.

Has anyone had this problem before? If so how can I remove them? I've tried using a razor, bicarb soda and some sort of window cleaning soloution but to no avail.

Thanks in advance,

Kieren

[Corbin]

i used vinegar, it got most of it off.

[J double R]

i use 50/50 vinegar and water, and one of those mr. clean magic eraser things, stuff comes right off.

[fish_freak]

Yup Vinegar and Mr Clean Magic Eraser is the best combo. Worked wonders on an old tank I picked up!

[Waylander]

Thanks for the suggestions guys :). But I tried it and my scum marks must be particularly stubborn, because the vinegar didn't do a thing :(. Any other suggestions? I'm thinking about just trying some sort of commercial calcium remover.

[Daudzegier]

NOOOOO DONT DO THAT
any trace of that stuff... even like 1 part per billion is LEATHAL to fish. so keep trying to get it off with acids.... Vinigear, Vodka, Milk...... the list goes on and on... it will eventualy come off. Lemon Juice would work too.

[ergo sum]

Single edged razor blades. Don’t go near the corners.

[Waylander]

:(

I've tried the razors, didn't work. Vinegar didn't even leave a mark, so I doubt lemon juice or milk will. If only I could get some hydrochloric acid from somewhere...lol

[Corbin]

NOOOOO DONT DO THAT
any trace of that stuff... even like 1 part per billion is LEATHAL to fish. so keep trying to get it off with acids.... Vinigear, Vodka, Milk...... the list goes on and on... it will eventualy come off. Lemon Juice would work too.

no s***, if the tank is empty do it :dance2:

[tinymitymo]

milk is a mild base not an acid.

[tinymitymo]

look here for ideas but some may not be fish friendly

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/housing/pubs/fcs397.html

[misscrosson]

Get some sand.... wet sand, and scrub it with that... works perfect in my tank... i use regular sand collected from the beach... of course, might not be a good idea if there's fish in the tank...... store bought sand might work fine tho

[Waylander]

The tank is completely empty, not even any water in it.

Thanks for the suggestion, will definitely give it a try! Wouldn't it scratch the glass though?

[misscrosson]

nope, just make sure it's watered down sand