Cleaning a cruddy tank

[prairie_starr]

I walked into my local Meijer yesterday and they had replaced all their set ups with new ... and were getting rid of their old 15 gallon tanks for $2.50! The biowheel filters work, hood lights work, looks pretty good. I was able to get 2 tanks. Of course, the calcium deposits and crud are CAKED on.

So far, Ive scrubbed one tank and removed 90% of it. I soaked the tank in bleack water all night long and now it's filled with plain water and setting for awhile. Now, I need to get rid of the lil' stubborn deposits. I dont have any of that specialized tank cleaner stuff like they sell at petsmart, but i read on the net that vinegar and water will do the trick. Has anyone tried this? If so, Ill buy plenty to keep on hand.

thanks
jenn

[Barbie]

Hi,

Could you please add your location to your profile? If you're worried that we're all going to turn into cyber stalkers and what not, just the country is plenty, but we do consider it a mandatory condition here at PC, as we have so many members from all over the world. It helps us, help you.

On the tank, have you tried a razor blade?

Barbie

[prairie_starr]

I filled in some info on my profile. Sorry, I didnt know it was mandatory.

I haven't tried the razor blade thing because I can't stand messing around with sharp stuf, esp. since i have low vision. Is it really the only way? There are just some little stubborn places now.

[spiny]

To remove calcium deposits, you might use citric acid (E330), which can be bought in small packets in a kind of powder form. You will find it in food stores, as it is used with food, often to conserve it. Works well, when applied, let to work for a while, then some brushing, rinse with water, and problem should be gone.

I bought another bottle of some chemical some days ago (dont remember name, thrown bottle) at the supermarket, and it also removed calcium deposits in the bathroom, but I'm not sure if I would use it in my tanks...

[pturley]

Distilled Vinegar and water work just fine. Just let it sit till the deposits are soft (depend in concentration) and wipe them clean. If you want to get even more aggressive, you can use Muratic Acid (Pool Cleaning Acid) however, this is VERY strong. It is a mix of Hydrochloric /Sulfuric /Phosphoric acid. Even the fumes are dangerous with this stuff but it works great.

Just be careful!

[windgirl]

If you worry about your fish like me and don't might spending a few $$ ... I use this stuff called Rydyt 1 and there are others for cleaning tanks all by the company Python. Its right on the bottle that they are safe for fish and removes build up on glass or acrylic tanks. It did a good job with my tanks.

[prairie_starr]

Thanks you guys! I'm going to try the vinegar thing first since it's so cheap and easy to get. I went to the pantry to get some and my mom had REDUCED ACID apple cider vinegar. LOL, she would - just because thats the opposite of what I was looking for.

I'm seriously excited about these tanks being so inexpensive - I love to bargain / clearance shop.

I think I'll start my own tank of just swordtails. The last time I had pretty red swordtail babies the pictus cats ate them all!

[Crazie.Eddie]

Vinegar would work best. You should be careful about using other chemicals, since it may stick on to the surface and would be harmful to the fish once the water is applied.