Lime on glass tank

[metropolis93fan]

My mom finally decided she couldn't take care of her betta properly in its pathetic 1.5 gallon and is gifting him to me. I have an old 5 or 5.5 gallon from college not used in ages. I was SO not prepared to put out this much money on a fish but now that he's mine he's getting a proper home. Can't afford nor have room for bigger than the 5.

Our water here and where I went to school leaves horrible lime deposits. (I've switched to distilled and adding back what's needed). What's the best way to clean it up so I can actually see in?! Thanks!

 

[Lynnzer]

LIME !!!!!!!
AARRGGHHHH.
Hope to hell you're wrong about that, and I think you are.
What you have is a build up of calcium, the sort of thing you see in electric kettles.
See this for the best conditions to keep a Betta.
I suggest taking a water sample to your local fish store and they should be able to test it for you. Most do, anyway.
As for the calcium it points to hard or very hard water conditions and it's not easy to sort out. There are ways but the first thing to do is find out how hard your water is. If it's within the paramters shown on SeriouslyFish I'd suggest just leaving things as they are and scarping the calcium off when you clean the tank, change the water, or rub it off every morning.

 

[Colin_T]

Soak the lime deposits with vinegar. You can use any sort of vinegar but white vinegar is the cheapest. You can buy it from any supermarket. Pour vinegar on the glass and paper towel. Lay the paper towel out over the lime and leave it for 24 hours. You might have to do it several times, depending on how thick the lime is.

You can also try a single sided razorblade. They have a smooth side for holding and a sharp side for cutting. Then scrape the lime off. It might work but might not. Sometimes a combination of soaking and then razorblade can do the job.

 

[StevenF]

I would put fill the tank with water and add citric acid or vinegar to reach a PH of 4. That should dissolve calcium an magnesium carbonate that make up most of the lime deposits. Some scrubbing might be required Afterward drain it and rinse twice.

 

[Back in the fold]

Soak the lime deposits with vinegar. You can use any sort of vinegar but white vinegar is the cheapest. You can buy it from any supermarket. Pour vinegar on the glass and paper towel. Lay the paper towel out over the lime and leave it for 24 hours. You might have to do it several times, depending on how thick the lime is.

You can also try a single sided razorblade. They have a smooth side for holding and a sharp side for cutting. Then scrape the lime off. It might work but might not. Sometimes a combination of soaking and then razorblade can do the job.

What he said.