[Flint]

I'm in the process of scraping the remainder of the silicone out of the 75 I got a few months ago and I cannot get these lines off. They are raised, I can feel the razor going over them but it isn't removing them. They disappear for the most part when wet but I want them gone. My husband suggested acetone, which I have, but being on the inside of the aquarium, will acetone hurt the fish once water is in?

 

[jaysee]

Can you post some pics of the whole thing so we can see what exactly we are looking at?

 

[Flint]

They're hard to get pics of, hopefully this helps, you can see them on the side on the ground. It's almost like they divided the tank long-ways? But it isn't silicone because it won't scrape off.

 

[jaysee]

Ahhhh I see. I don't know what it could be, but at least We can see where it is. Hopefully someone will have an idea.

Where did you get it from? Ask them maybe?

 

[Flint]

CL. I got it months ago and don't have their number. /:

Will acetone hurt future inhabitants? This tank is going to be sitting empty for at least 2 months so in theory the acetone would have time to dissipate, correct?

 

[jeaninel]

personally I would not use acetone inside a fish tank. it's pretty nasty stuff. not sure what else you could use though besides a razor blade.
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[Flint]

I'm really stumped. The plans for this tank are stunning but I really don't want those lines ):

ETA: I googled it and apparently the use of acetone (and nail polish remover.....) is fairly common to prep glass when re-sealing (not sure why) but it is supposed to evaporate quickly. I'm scared, though!

 

[jeaninel]

I wonder if the lines are from some kind of epoxy?
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[Flint]

I don't understand why they would divide the tank 5 times lengthway, though. It's strange.

 

[Ogre44]

Try using steel wool to scrub them off.
Also, are they on both ends of the tank, or just the one?

 

[Flint]

Both. Won't steel wool scratch the glass?

 

[Chesh]

What have you tried already? Can't hurt to soak it in vinegar, if you haven't yet

I don't understand why they would divide the tank 5 times lengthway, though. It's strange.

Hmmmm. . . maybe they were racing African dwarf frogs!? ^__^

 

[Flint]

I've only tried the razor because I am still stripping silicone.

 

[sandybottom]

wonder if they had an artificial background in the tank?if it was from a chemical,it could be etched.maybe call a glass manufacturer and see if they have any ideas to try on it.if you go the acetone route,do a small test area first.

 

[sandybottom]

do you know if it was a saltwater tank prior to this?

 

[ao]

can it be scraped off with a razor?

 

[Tolak]

If it's on one end it may have sat on end with a wet UGF plate or some such for quite some time. Looks like a hard water stain to me. Acetone won't bother a thing, let it dry, rinse well. A variety of chemicals are used in the manufacturing process of tanks, filters, heaters, all of that. Sometimes it's a bit beyond a stain, and actually etches the glass, which is usually unseen or barely seen when the tank is filled, provided it's on the inside.

You can try CLR, a step beyond that is Sno-Bowl toilet bowl cleaner. I've used both, CLR is maybe a gloves deal, toilet bowl cleaner requires some heavy gloves, long sleeves, glasses, and ventilation, as it is concentrated acid.

 

[rsskylight04]

First thing I would try is vinegar. Very strange.

 

[Austin]

I'm not sure if acetone would work, but we use it in chemistry class, and I think it would be fine for fish. We use it when we need to dry something quick when it has just been washed since it evaporates very quickly and can get a thin tube etc dry for the experiment without waiting. Anyways, my point is that it simply evaporates away so I'm not sure how it would harm the fish if you give it at least a short amount of time to evaporate. It completely evaporates and residues shouldn't be left behind... I don't think we'd be instructed to dry with it if it would contaminate our reaction (it could explode if it caught on fire....). Other than that info I can't help much good luck

 

[Flint]

I don't think it's etched in the glass because when it gets wet, water gets under them and they basically disappear. I've tried scraping it with a razor to no avail. If vinegar doesn't get it, I'll use acetone. Is it safe to let it sit on its side and just pour a fine layer of acetone in to sit? Or will that harm the silicone between the glass that I'm not scraping off?