How to keep tank glass clean and clear?

**littar** · 28th Jun 2006, 02:11

Hi guys, i have a decomm 3' planted tank that has not been used some time already. The tank has got water mark, algae stain and what not at the interior of the tank.

I intend to convert this tank into a vivarium. But first, i will have to find a way to clean off the the unsightly stains and marks. Please share your opinion on how best to bring back the sparkling shining glass tank.

Thanks.

**littar** · 28th Jun 2006, 02:15

I also notice most of you guys have a very clean and clear glass tank. I understand it is not easy to maintain this way, espeacially with the high humidity inside the setup.

How do you guys keep it clean and clear?

**ranmasatome** · 28th Jun 2006, 02:24

those glass water stains are usually a case of calcification.. so you can try cleaning them with a mild acid.. like vinegar.. it should get rid of the stain. Usually if i am going to put a tank into storage.. i'll bleach it first.. then vinegar the glass.
Since our climate is already so humid.. you need additional ventilation on your tank.

**littar** · 28th Jun 2006, 02:30

Would the bleach and acid damage the glass sealant? I am a little hesitate to use the corrosive material......
Do we use a piece of cloth or old newspaper to clean?

**valice** · 28th Jun 2006, 07:57

Originally Posted by ranmasatome

those glass water stains are usually a case of calcification.. so you can try cleaning them with a mild acid.. like vinegar.. it should get rid of the stain.

Is it possible to use vinegar on a tank which is still in use? Meaning that there is still livestock in it to remove the calcium?

**ranmasatome** · 28th Jun 2006, 12:19

Originally Posted by littar

Would the bleach and acid damage the glass sealant? I am a little hesitate to use the corrosive material......
Do we use a piece of cloth or old newspaper to clean?

Its not THAT corosive...lol..

It would have to burn your fingers to a pulp b4 it can damage the sealant.
If your stain is resistant.. you may have to soak the affected spot overnight in some vinegar. Or alternatively you can cut some lemon slices and leave them over the spot.

Originally Posted by valice

Is it possible to use vinegar on a tank which is still in use? Meaning that there is still livestock in it to remove the calcium?

If you want algae bloom.. yes.

**Nicky** · 28th Jun 2006, 12:46

Originally Posted by ranmasatome

so you can try cleaning them with a mild acid.. like vinegar..

Vinegar is alkaline lah..

**Justikanz** · 28th Jun 2006, 14:20

Err... Nicky, vinegar is an organic acid...

Thus the sour taste...

**valice** · 28th Jun 2006, 14:28

Originally Posted by ranmasatome

If you want algae bloom.. yes.

Err...

What causes the algae bloom leh?

**joelwong** · 28th Jun 2006, 14:45

I bought this product called BioClean by JBL, pretty good. It's a spray type glass cleaner. Looks like the normal blue colour glass cleaner, smells like it also but claims to dissolve lime scale and is harmless to fishes. It is going for $6.30 for a 250ml bottle, not exactly cheap, but does the job pretty well.

**grey_fox** · 28th Jun 2006, 15:40

Heh, for my pre-existing tank now, I normally wipe off the stains as and when I see it visibly forming.

Why wait for it to solidify if your tank is in use?

Since the question is a decommed tank, Ranma's advise works best to remove it.

By the way, if my sciences still serves me well, vinegar contains ethanoic acid which is a weak acid, pH about 4. When dissolved in water, it ionises into CH3COO- and H+ is acidic.

**ranmasatome** · 28th Jun 2006, 18:09

Wha greyfox.. i can only give you thumbs up for remembering that.. nuff said ..hahaha..

Valice, dont know why.. the last time when i was a newbie long ago i remember adding some to the tank to lower ph.. wah.. tell you.. worst mistake ever.

**joelwong** · 29th Jun 2006, 01:48

Originally Posted by ranmasatome

the last time when i was a newbie long ago i remember adding some to the tank to lower ph.. wah.. tell you.. worst mistake ever.

Care to elaborate on that?

**ranmasatome** · 29th Jun 2006, 02:17

already did. what was the quesiton i answered?

**joelwong** · 29th Jun 2006, 10:30

Originally Posted by ranmasatome

already did. what was the quesiton i answered?

Algae bloom? Glad the fishes are alright.

**cheetf** · 2nd Jul 2006, 00:59

Maybe you could try vinegar with those special Japanese sponges.

**joelwong** · 2nd Jul 2006, 02:39

Originally Posted by cheetf

Maybe you could try vinegar with those special Japanese sponges.

are those japanese sponges aquasafe?

**cheetf** · 5th Jul 2006, 17:42

Dunno but I am using it and it seems to be fine.

**hwchoy** · 30th Apr 2007, 16:14

just get lemon juice will do. fresh lemon juice hor.

**sithspawn** · 30th Apr 2007, 17:47

Originally Posted by joelwong

I bought this product called BioClean by JBL, pretty good. It's a spray type glass cleaner. Looks like the normal blue colour glass cleaner, smells like it also but claims to dissolve lime scale and is harmless to fishes. It is going for $6.30 for a 250ml bottle, not exactly cheap, but does the job pretty well.

Where you bought it?

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