removing coralline algae from empty aquarium

[toonces]

hey all,
i'm breaking down my reef tank, and the sides and back are covered in coralline. i need to scrape it of somehow. i've tried using a plastic paint scraper and putty knife, and it is barely coming off if at all.
is there an easier way? anyone have suggestions of anything that might remove it better, or dissolve it if i add it to the water?

thanks,
toonces

 

[Znut Reefer]

Use white distilled vinegar. That will do it, it will make it easier to scrape off too.

 

[theatrus]

Yup, vinegar solution will help break down the calcification.

 

[toonces]

thanks guys...how much vinegar in 110 gallons of water?

 

[toonces]

or do you put the vinegar in the empty aquarium while you are scraping?

 

[Znut Reefer]

Yep use full strength to get it off quicker. Use a rag or new unused paint brush to keep the areas wet with vinegar. The vinegar will disolve the coralline algae and make it easy to get off.

 

[BS]

I'd lay the tank on it's side, then you can pour the vinegar and let it set a while before scraping

 

[NormanB]

You can put the vinegar in a spray bottle also.

 

[outy]

when my tank was dry last month i tried vinegar but i was to impatient and just scraped it all of with a kent scraper , 100g back and sides took about 20 minutes

 

[Cracked Fish Man]

razor blade. Sorry, need to use a little energy here.

 

[toonces]

you caught me... i'm being lazy i know!

alright, vinegar and calories it is.

 

[toonces]

hey just to get some closure here...

i ended up using a couple of bottles of white vinegar. when you pour a good quantity of it onto the coralline, it dissolves it pretty good and comes off easily with a scrubby pad or scraper.

thanks for the info. that sucked...but not quite as bad as i feared.

toonces

 

[NoSchwag]

I used Muriatic acid. I tried a vinegar soak overnight and it still was a pain to get off.

GLad to hear it worked for you, :thumbsup:

 

[yeame]

I just had the same problem with my 75g I let it dry and ot came right off with a razor blade and little effort

 

[marino420td]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8025568#post8025568 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NoSchwag
I used Muriatic acid. I tried a vinegar soak overnight and it still was a pain to get off.

GLad to hear it worked for you, :thumbsup:

Where can you buy muriatic acic?

 

[Rays]

Where can you buy muriatic acic?

Home Depot, Lowes, hardware store. It should be in the masonry section.