I recently purchased a used 20g tank. The owner previously had a turtle in the tank, so it was filled halfway with water. Everything above that halfway water line has hard calcium deposits. So far I've tried using vinegar (5% acidity) and a razor blade but haven't made much progress. What products or methods would you recommend for removing these deposits? Thanks in advance.
Try laying it on its side and pouring a enough vinegar to cover the glass. Then let it sit for a while before going to work on it. You will have to do it for each side.
If you have already tried that. Maybe some CLR? I've never used this though so I would be careful. I'm not concerned about residue being left over, just if it would damage or affect the tanks seals at all.
Have you tryed filling it to see what it looks like. calcium build up leave marks even if you remove them, but these are hard to see when the tank is full of water.
Yep! Looks like vinegar is your best bet there... as Mikaila says. If that doesn't work, try Coca-Cola. IF it can remove residue from stainless steel and silverware, it might just work on glass. ;-)
Alright thanks guys. over the past week I've tried soaking the sides in vinegar as suggested, but to no avail. I've even tried using lemon juice, coca cola, and alcohol. What is CLR exactly, and where can I purchase it?
Any hardware store should carry CLR... its a brand name that stands for - wait for it... Calcium, Lime, R.... not sure what that one is LOL! Should help you fine but make sure you rinse that tank carefully before adding fish as they don't like CLR residue
Alright thanks guys. I'll probably pick up some CLR within the next few days, and will be sure to give my tank a thorough cleaning before putting anything live in it.
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