tank cleaning?

[dadyoj21]

during the long weekend I have started cleaning up the 200 and have run in to some difficult scale deposits on the glass.

I have tried vinegar and it is not getting it done, Mike suggested muriatic acid.

Is this the best choice or is there somethig else I should try? Also will this be safe on the silicone joints of the tank? and last where do I get my hands on this stuff, Lowes?

 

[NbMaxx13]

I have heard so many people talking about using Muriatic .. I myself haven't used it to clean , but I do have it at work if you need some.... I guess soaking in warm water and vinegar is out? ... Sometimes I can't get things scraped off with just the vinegar but if I soak it it comes off... With that volume that would be a pain...

 

[Virginia Reef]

Contractors use it to clean off mud splatter from brick. It should be available at building supply stores.

 

[turbois300]

Have you tried a razor?? Carefull not to scratch the glass.

 

[ade]

I have soaked pumps in muriatic acid (Matts tip of the day) to clean them up from coraline but I made sure that I took all the o-rings off before I soaked it. Not sure on silicone. I got mine from North West Hardware. My guess is that the manufaturer would be a good start. Also if you use muriatic acid make sure your room if very well ventilated. Peeoooo.

 

[JC VT]

It's available at Lowes in the gardening department. It'll be on ground level.

I'm not brave enough to swish it around and scrub with it, so when I use it I fill a 5 gal 3/4 full with water and dump acid bit by bit into it. I'd fill your tank with water and add acid in increments to it and let it run with a powerhead overnight, unless you're comfortable working with it.

HTH

 

[dadyoj21]

I picked up a gallon at lowes and am going to try it soon

 

[NbMaxx13]

Jorge , I know this is stating the obvious , but please be careul ... I have to use different kinds of caustis and acids at work, and they are unforgiving. Read that MSDS that comes with it carefully ....

 

[dadyoj21]

started a test area with some diluted and it is working well, I also deal with all kinds of chemicals, I am wearing gloves and being careful, dont worry Eric.

By the way for all those out there the muriatic acid works very well removing the scale within minutes