Coraline removal

[wetbehindears]

I have a 90g reef ready laying around so it time to upgrade my freshwater planted tank and my issue is the over flow is more than half covered in coraline. Other than sanding it down wit sand paper what could I do?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

soak in water/vinegar and use a blade to scrape it off. Blast it with water from the hose outside. Scrape some more.

DON'T use sandpaper as it can scratch glass.

 

[wetbehindears]

No not on the glass on the overflow the coraline is . The overflow is ur typical reef ready plastic black so it cannot be scraped off.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

vinegar and very fine grit sandpaper should take it off the plastic.

 

[wetbehindears]

K sanppr n vinger it is thanks for the reply.

 

[tmz]

If you can let it soak long enough in a 50% vinegar/50% water solution you may not need to sand it much.

 

[wetbehindears]

Eh I'd rather sand than have to buy 45gallons of vinegar. The coraline is at the top so I'd have to fill er up. Thanks tho.

 

[magdelan]

If you can lay the tank on it's back, soak a towel in vinegar and lay it on the overflow. This will ensure 100% contact.

 

[puter]

As suggested, a strong vinegar solution will work well. You can wet down areas as needed with a cloth or spray bottle and give it time to work. No need to fill the whole tank with vinegar.

Muriatic acid works even better but requires precautions: ventilation, acid-resistant gloves, eye protection, etc.

 

[Grenade Glass]

I could trade you my 55 G non reef ready tank with no coraline on it for your 90 G

 

[superkat]

I have a 90g reef ready laying around

this made me laugh.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

in THIS household

in THIS household

laughing out loud @ 4AM will get you banned ......... :fun4:

 

[wetbehindears]

I'm liking the towel idea. Thanks guys.

 

[dreaminmel]

Please keep us posted on how it works for you. I tried a couple of things on the 180g overflows and still couldn't get all of it off. I've been tempted to remove both overflows with a razorblade, soak, clean and then silicone them back in.

 

[NirvanaFan]

It would be fairly cheap to buy a couple gallons of muriatic/hydrochloric acid and use that. Fill up the tank and add a few gallons. Stir it and let it sit. You can buy it at most hardware stores. Most pool stores sell it also, but it will probably be more expensive there.

 

[tmz]

I like the towel idea best.
However, if you choose to use muriatic acid ; it goes for about $25 a gallon at Home Depot/Lowes. I'd fill the tank with water and add about half a gallon of acid . Let is soak over night and hose it out . Do it outside , fumes are nasty. Careful not to splash yourself.

 

[NirvanaFan]

http://www.tractorsupply.com/home-improvement/paint/paint-solvents-removers/muriatic-acid-ga-3441166

Muriatic acid, $5 a gallon. Places like Country Max and other hardware stores should have it as well.

 

[Srixon]

I just broke down my reef and entire reef system.......little over 200 gals.....1 cup of muriatic acid running through the entire system and I can remove coralline with my mag float......almost effortlessly.

 

[IJayC1]

what is the effect of the acid on the silicone sealer on the edges?

 

[Tonynlo]

Whoa.