Miracle De-Grunger?

[Menace2Sobriety]

What (if anything) do you's use to clean an old SW tank that's been sitting dry for a period of time? The tank is glass. It's clean of algae and any real bad gunk.. it's just got that cloudy "film" on the inside that doesn't scrub off with NOTHING! (Tried scrub pads, baking soda, vinegar,). I know it won't be noticable once the tank is filled with water but I'd prefer to clean it off if there's a way. Smooth glass = easier to clean the algae off when it's running.

Thx

Menace

 

[uncleof6]

What (if anything) do you's use to clean an old SW tank that's been sitting dry for a period of time? The tank is glass. It's clean of algae and any real bad gunk.. it's just got that cloudy "film" on the inside that doesn't scrub off with NOTHING! (Tried scrub pads, baking soda, vinegar,). I know it won't be noticable once the tank is filled with water but I'd prefer to clean it off if there's a way. Smooth glass = easier to clean the algae off when it's running.

Thx

Menace

It is a form of glass corrosion caused by high pH. I have a rather complete reference on this topic, but am unable to locate it right now. Nothing is going to take it off. Well, that is not entirely true, on occasion, hydrofluoric acid may help, but really...The only solution is replacing the glass panels. I don't think that is going to happen, so either live with it, or replace the tank.

 

[Menace2Sobriety]

It is a form of glass corrosion caused by high pH. I have a rather complete reference on this topic, but am unable to locate it right now. Nothing is going to take it off. Well, that is not entirely true, on occasion, hydrofluoric acid may help, but really...The only solution is replacing the glass panels. I don't think that is going to happen, so either live with it, or replace the tank.

If it's a form of corrosion my buffing kit should clean it up just fine then? I'll post results in a few days when I get the energy to dig through storage for my rubbing compound.

Menace

 

[uncleof6]

If it's a form of corrosion my buffing kit should clean it up just fine then? I'll post results in a few days when I get the energy to dig through storage for my rubbing compound.

Menace

Buffing may or may not fix it. Generally, you are going to have to remove a significant amount of glass to get at it. Especially if it is the tin side of the glass (small particles of tin imbedded in the glass. It also involves pitting and ion exchange) Before you take a buffer to it, I would suggest you research the topic, before you waste time on a tank that may or may not be worth the effort.

 

[Menace2Sobriety]

Buffing may or may not fix it. Generally, you are going to have to remove a significant amount of glass to get at it. Especially if it is the tin side of the glass (small particles of tin imbedded in the glass. It also involves pitting and ion exchange) Before you take a buffer to it, I would suggest you research the topic, before you waste time on a tank that may or may not be worth the effort.

I'll look into it but it can't be worse than sandblasted glass (ie: GLASS headlight lenses that get sandblasted from years of driving). I've polished a few glass lenses without issue.

Regardless my 15 Gal nano looked like that and I just left it and it looks crystal clear filled with water... I just thought maybe I could put some elbow grease into it seeings it's too darn cold to re-seal and leak test the tank outside and will continue to be so for at LEAST a month by the looks of things.

Thanks for the info though. At least I know exactly what it is I'm dealing with. I didn't realize it was corrosion. I thought it was just a grime build-up of some sort.

Menace

 

[uncleof6]

A grime/scale buildup (calcium deposits, common hardwater stains) could be taken off with a razor blade, and/or some strong acid solutions (hydrochloric, hydrofluouric etc.) Unfortunately, glass corrosion is a bit more tenacious. It does not really hurt anything, and as you say, it disappears when you add water.

 

[Menace2Sobriety]

Finally filled the tank and it looks crystal clear..... was too lazy to buff the glass as my glass buffing (AKA "Headlight rejuvenation kit") was buried in my storage locker anyway.

What I DID notice however.... was that there was calcium buildup INSIDE the "pitting". So when I vigorously scrubbed it with baking soda/rain water the "hazing" was in the exact same areas but was only about half as bad looking. Scraping with razorblade doesn't reach inside the "pitting" and for those who DON'T know... rain water just kicks the crap out of any calcium/lime etc. staining. I learned that when I had a camper.... I was scrubbing my arms off when the owner of the campground said "Just wait till it rains... all that grime, black lines, and white haze will wipe right off with a rag!"... he was right.... RV cleaner ain't got NOTHING on Mother Nature!

Menace