Used tank problem

[j.d.moulder25]

I just bought a used 35 gallon tank and am wanting to set it up. It had what I thought was some calcium buildup on the glass near the top of the tank. I tried to scrup it out but no go. I tried some CLR and even a razor blade to try to scrape it out. Obviously it is etched into the glass. Is there a buff compound I can use to polish it out or something like CLR that anyone knows will work to pull this out? thanx in advance.

 

[tonypal85]

Im not really sure how else to get it off, however I WOuld NOT use CLR or any other chemical inside of the tank. Of course if you are trying to remove some buildup outside of the tank then that is fine. But make sure that you stop using any chemicals inside of the tank.

 

[Reefdrumz]

Did you try vinegar? That usually gets crap off the glass pretty well

Hope that helps!

 

[bone]

I have good success with vinegar or house salt on an old rag

 

[j.d.moulder25]

well I tried the vinegar and salt on a rag, I also soaked the tank in vinegar and water overnight and no go. Any other suggestions before I give up?

 

[PiNaPLeX]

even if you get it out, since you've already used CLR on it, it's uncertain what effect the CLR will have on your fish/corals. becareful with that. also, good luck on trying to get it out, if it's etched into the glass, there's not much you can do.

Have you tried a metal scraper? like the one sold by kent? or even a flat paint scraper? a razorblade might not be strong enough to get anything other than silicone off of glass....

 

[catalyst]

I've seen this before - the calcium is IN the glass, at the microscopic level. The tank belonged to a friend - I suggested trying muriatic acid, but he opted to just replace the glass.

Even if you were to try the acid (warning: dangerous, handle with extreme care), and it were to work, you would still have the open pores which could/would fill again.

Buffing would eliminate the open pores, but buffing-out glass is a PIA, and very time consuming.

One product I have had success with in removing freshwater hard-water calcium stains (that vinegar would not touch) is a product from Jungle called "Lime Off". It comes in a small 2oz bottle and a 8 or 16oz bottle - I'd go for the larger. I was quite surprised how well it worked. I would recommend placing the affected pane of glass horizontally and applying a liberal amount of the Lime Off and let it sit for 5 mins or so. It's worth a shot...