Cleaning Question

[Gypsy_Guitarist]

I just obtained a used tank which was extremely dirty... I tried scrubbing with vinegar and warm water, and even though I got some of it cleaned, I still can't seem to get allot of the build up off the glass... does anyone have any suggestions of what I can use, or do to help get it clean???

Also, any recommendations on how I can get the black plastic hood to look black again??? LOL!!! Everytime I scrub it, as soon as it dries, the dull offwhite residue starts to show up again.

HELP!!!!
:confuzeld:

~D

[sap]

take the tank to the car wash and use high psi wash on it.

black hood needs to be painted with a flat black paint designed for use with plastics or you can always get new glass cut

[ElijahTurtle]

Fill the tank with water dump in a whole bottle of vinager & let it sit for a day or so.

[rolloffhill]

I have cleaned the hoods with the python cleaning stuff. It is supposed to remove lime. Don't tell anyone but I have also used CLR on one before too....;) Just make sure you clean it well after that to get the CLR off of it

[Gypsy_Guitarist]

Thanks for the input everyone!!!
I thought about repainting the cover as well... but wasn't sure how safe that was...
...and believe it or not Skipp, I thought about the CLR stuff too... but thought if anyone found out, I'd be beaten here... LOL!!!
:beatdeadhorse:

I'll give all this a try.

Thanks again!!!
:D

~D

[AndrewH]

I think with chems it's just a matter of making 100% sure they're all out before adding fish/plants.

I'm not sure how to get the CLR completely out. Might be like bleach, make sure the smell of the product isn't in there any more and you're good to go (what ever it takes to get the smell out).

[rolloffhill]

I wouldn't use the CLR in the tank but on the hood shouldn't hurt.

Just wanted to clarify that I was talking about the hood.

[AndrewH]

I wonder if one of those "orangy" or "Oxy" products would be ok to use inside the tank?

[Vivarium Concepts]

Is it calcium build up your trying to get off, or is the glass etched?

A fresh cut lemon rubbed on it and let sit for a few minutes, then a fresh single edged razor blade should take care of the calcium/ salt creep. If the glass is etched, not much you can do.

Don't think I would try the CLR, might not be too kind to the silicone.

[bra8ndy8]

CLr is fine for tanks! You can let it sit on its side with water and soak for hours....clean it really really good and your fine! I have done it on my 100 gallon 3-4 times....never lost anything! Just wash it really good!

[EAST_TX_RN]

I use hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda on any stubborn stains, so you might try that while using a scrub brush. Cheap and easy!

[Gypsy_Guitarist]

Is it calcium build up your trying to get off, or is the glass etched?

Just a bad calcium build up....

I appreciate everyone's input!!!
I wound up letting the tank soak for a day with Vinegar & water... bought one of those window scrapers from Petsmart, and it all peeled off so easily... there are still a few hard stains on the outside of the tank that I can't seem to competely get rid of, but it's barely noticible.

As for the hood... I used CLR on it... and it made a HUGE difference... :)

I'm gonna give it another good cleaning this weekend before I start setting it up to cycle.

Thanks again!!!
You all are the greatest!!!

~D

[Gypsy_Guitarist]

I use hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda on any stubborn stains, so you might try that while using a scrub brush. Cheap and easy!

Another Yellow was carrying... LOL!! :eek:
I now have close to 15-20 Fry.... one of the reasons I got this extra 45 gallon tank... ;)

[EAST_TX_RN]

That is fantastic news! I tell you, they procreate like rats! Are you going to separate them?

[Gypsy_Guitarist]

That is fantastic news! I tell you, they procreate like rats! Are you going to separate them?

I'm probably gonna move most of the bigger fish over to the new tank until the fry get bigger... all those little ones would be a bit tough to catch since they hide in, under, and in between all of the rocks and are as quick as lighting. LOL

[EAST_TX_RN]

That is the main reason I don't move my fry, that, and the fact that I will always have plenty of fish regardless!