I Got A Free Tank Need Help

[Mort75]

Hey guys and gals. this is my first time posting here. My aunt just gave me her 50 gallon glass tank. The tank has been sitting dry for a while. It has green algea all over the walls and hard water stain all over it. Im just looking for advice on cleaning it and getting it looking good again before i start to cycle it. I have used a razor blade and got most of the algea off the walls but still has some on the caulking on the inside corners that i did not attempt to get off with the razor blade. so is there any good product or home remody that would help to get all the algea out of the tank and the waterstains off. thanks for any help in advance

 

[garyspence84]

Just some hot water and a bit of elbow grease should do the trick

In failing that, you could always water down some pure bleach and use that. Just make sure its COMPLETELY washed out before adding any fish. And make sure it only bleach you use. If you check for ingredients, of should say, bleach, and nothing else.

And welcome to the forum by the way, look forward to reading and viewing some updates on your tank.

G

 

[Bugdozer]

Somebody recommended using vinegar fro cleaning off hard water stains, it is a weak acid and will dissolve calcium carbonate etc.

Additional: don't use bleach AND vinegar together - one is acid and the other is alkaline, bad idea.

 

[garyspence84]

Recipe for something drastic

 

[fluttermoth]

Half a lemon dipped in salt might do the trick.

 

[Mort75]

Thanks guys. I've spent a few hours scrubbing today with all the recommendations posted here and a lot of it came off. The only problem I'm having is getting the two inches cleaned that was above the waterline. I'll try the lemon and salt tonight. It looks fairly good when it's wet but when it drys the top couple inches look like hell. Any other Ideas.

 

[sherrie]

I am no expert on fishtanks but I know how to fight hard water build up!
I would try soaking some kitchen towel in white vinegar till it's mega damp and then laying the damp paper around the edges at least overnight (maybe two nights if it's real bad and keeping it moist). In my experience of cleaning up hard water build up that's the best thing. Deffo make sure your tank get's a good clean out before you put some fishy's in it (but I guess you knew that already).

Sherrie
xoxoxox

 

[ShinySideUp]

For those stubborn bits and indeed any water mark use limescale remover, pour it on, move it around a bit, wash and wipe off...done.

 

[mossonthemoon]

I was going to suggest using ammonia since you will need to add it to the tank anyway. I have never tried it on hard water deposits specifically, but my Nana insists on using it for glass and floors, and her windows do always look perfect.

 

[garyspence84]

I was going to suggest using ammonia since you will need to add it to the tank anyway. I have never tried it on hard water deposits specifically, but my Nana insists on using it for glass and floors, and her windows do always look perfect.

That's a GREAT shout by the way! Like killing 2 birds with 1 stone.

 

[Bugdozer]

NAPALM!

(joke)

 

[garyspence84]