Cleaning Hard Algae from tank

[crystalnurse]

The tank is now down and empty. I have some very hard coraline algae on the back glass. How do I get this off? I know I could use a razor blade, but was hoping that someone might know of a product that would dissolve it. Thanks

Crystal

 

[Shooter7]

I've personally used pure white vinegar before with good results. I know that DrBDC has recommended Muratic Acid before.

 

[SSTG]

vinegar and let it sit.whola!

 

[crystalnurse]

Sounds like a great idea. Will try it tomorrow. Thanks

Crystal

 

[Boosted Rxp]

yeah clark used muratic and his looked brand new without scraping,

 

[crystalnurse]

Where do you get the muratic at?

 

[Markk96]

Ace hardware has it.

 

[kpc01]

distilled white vinegar works good too. Thats what I use, just because its less potent than muriatic acid

Kelly

 

[crystalnurse]

I'll try the vinegar first and if it still won't come clean, then I'm off to Ace Hardware for the Muratic acid. What a fun day I'm going to have, lol.

 

[stlouisguy]

Im dead serious about the acid. I used two gallons to 500 gallons and it took everything off in about 24 hours. I also had an old seashell in there and it ate it away to nothing.

Vinegar you need to have at almost full strength. The acid you fill the tank and let it run, come back in a day or two and its clean. Also make sure you fill the tank then add the acid, not the other way around. It is nasty stuff to splash on yourself (serious burns)

 

[crystalnurse]

Is the acid toxic, as far as pets inhaling fumes? So about half a gallon in a 75g tank? Will is effect the glue (silicone) that holds the glass together?


Thanks

Crystal

 

[stlouisguy]

For a 75 gallon you could go with 1/4 gallon to half gallon. It shouldnt affect the seals of the tank and as long as the pets dont inhale it you should be fine

 

[crystalnurse]

Well, I squirted the tank down with straight vinegar (had it in the cabinet). I lined it with paper towels and kept it moist for 2 hours. Most of it just rubbed right off of it, I had to use a razor blade on the harder circles, but they just seemed to peel right up. So, now it's clean. Thanks everyone.

Crystal