AH! What to do??

[clownfish]

I just got a gift of a wonderful 33 gallon aquarium from a moving neighbour but it is covered in hard water "crusties". I asked what type of filtration and cleaning methods she used and she told me that she used windex to try get the "crusties" off. :eek: AH!! How can I decontaminate this aquarium so that it is suitable for my freshwater fish (1 pink gourami, 5 neons)?

Also, there are still hard water marks on the aquarium that I would like to get off... There is no windex on the inside of the aquarium (she said she didn't want to poison her fish :rolleyes: ) but there is windex on the canopy and glass and on the outside of the tank.

What should I do? I'd love to be able to use this tank someday.

[andruboz]

the inside of the tank can be decrustified with warmed vinegar.
wipe it on, let it soak into the minerals for a while [5-10 minutes],
and use a new clean razor blade to shave it right off the glass. whatever doesnt easily come off gets another warm vinegar soak.

i dont think the residue of windex is that permanent. rinsing the canopy in warm water should be sufficient.

this method works for me but other people might have better ways to do it.

[cichlidgirl57]

I work for a glass company. When using the razor blade, make sure surface is wet where you are scraping. That way you will not scratch the glass. Good Luck ;)

[OrionGirl]

Windex used on the outside of the glass is not a problem. I had one corner of my tank that regularly dripped downt he outside. I've used windex frequently to clean that and other water spots off. I don't spray the windex on the tank directly, but residue is not a big concern.

Vinegar, oxiclean, and a razor blade or credit card are all choices for cleaning off hard water stains before use.

[Anaxus]

With oxyclean how do you mix it? As a paste or liquid?