How do I get this crap off my tank

[davham]

Not sure where to post this but..........I bought a used 55g tank, it was dirty and needed cleaned. After removing the easy gunk there still remains this cloudy film like stuff on the glass. It's not completely covered but mainly around the top where someone would let the water level remain too low for a long period of time.

I know you should not used cleaners but nothing seems to make this stuff budge. I have even tried kitchen and bathroom chemicals with zero luck. A new razor blade doesn't help either. Any ideas or should I haul it off to the city dump and chalk it up as a lesson learned???????

Great site by the way, my LFS recomended this place as a great source of info. I have been coming here for some time and found everything i was needing answers to except this one.

Thanks for any help,

David

[KMP]

try vinegar

[IPowderBlueTang]

I have had success using scotch brite scrubbing pad for pots and dishes to get that hard to get off scum on the tank. Just keep the glass wet when scrubbing.
Hope this helps I always use it and works for me!

[uscharalph]

Vinegar and water. You could help it with a razor blade and the solution if its a glass tank.

[demonsp]

Sounds like hard water stains. If you fill and cant see then dont worry. If you cant remove with razor or scotch pad and vinager you may not be able to. GL

[ahullsb]

Yup razorblade

[AZDesertRat]

A gallon of distilled white vinegar is less than $2 and will work wonders. If the film is on the sides, lay the tank on its back, front or sides and pour it on full strength and let it soak for an hour or two before rotating to the next side. It should come right off with little effort after that.

[JennyL]

Hi David,
With glass tanks I have always had good results using full strength white vinegar and a new razor blade.

Allow time for the vinegar to soak into the stain and then use the blade.

Try this before you become too frustrated and decide to take a hammer to it.

[omacphe]

Sorry to say I fought this one and gave up. I tried everything above without success. When the glass was wet it looked OK but just couldn't live with the stain above the waterline when it dried.

Must have spent 20 hours dorking around with it before I checked on the price of a new tank ($60 in my case). Pretty easy decision after that.

Cheers,

Owen

[griss]

I agree with the white vinegar full strength.

[Timinator]

Fill the tank up since it sounds like its stained up top and use a cup of bleach to 1Gal (or stronger, just a rule of thumb)of water and let it sit for several hours. Scrubbing may help but it sounds as if it just needs some soaking. Drain it and let it sun dry. Even though the bleach will break down after about 24hrs after drained and air or toweled dried. Vinegar can usually clean stuff but in my opinion this should work for you.

[reef1973]

Vinegar and razor blade. Becareful with the razor blade because it can scratch your tank.

[steven_dean17]

id buy a new tank, you can always use the old one for QT.

[ksouers]

Sounds like it'll make a really nice sump.