Clean USED Acrylic Sump

[Alev_Apex]

I've recently picked up a used 55g glass tank with a acrylic sump and their both nasty. Been sitting for probably a year with algae dried on the surface. Thankfully the tank is glass so I don't think I'll have a problem but the sump is what I'm concerned about. I've seen a few posts on here but they are with display tanks and their not bad like mine.

I need to go home, take a picture of the sump and show you how bad it is.

What's the best way to clean an acrylic sump?

I've heard vinegar soak and gently scrape it off. What's a good ratio on water to vinegar? Sump is pretty big so was going to go buy some extra tonight. I'm not necessarily looking to keep the sump clear but just clean and ready to cycle.

Thanks!

 

[Crabs McJones]

I've recently picked up a used 55g glass tank with a acrylic sump and their both nasty. Been sitting for probably a year with algae dried on the surface. Thankfully the tank is glass so I don't think I'll have a problem but the sump is what I'm concerned about. I've seen a few posts on here but they are with display tanks and their not bad like mine.

I need to go home, take a picture of the sump and show you how bad it is.

What's the best way to clean an acrylic sump?

I've heard vinegar soak and gently scrape it off. What's a good ratio on water to vinegar? Sump is pretty big so was going to go buy some extra tonight. I'm not necessarily looking to keep the sump clear but just clean and ready to cycle.

Thanks!

What's been successful for me is to soak in vinegar 1:1 ratio, and then some sort of plastic scraper after a couple days of soaking.

 

[Ucyibd1]

What's been successful for me is to soak in vinegar 1:1 ratio, and then some sort of plastic scraper after a couple days of soaking.

I recently used this method to clean my old tank after upgrading. I got enough vinegar/water and just laid the tank on each of its sides on my patio table on some towels to let it soak. That way the tank doesn't need to filled up.

 

[Alev_Apex]

I recently used this method to clean my old tank after upgrading. I got enough vinegar/water and just laid the tank on each of its sides on my patio table on some towels to let it soak. That way the tank doesn't need to filled up.

How long did you soak then for??

 

[Peace River]

What's been successful for me is to soak in vinegar 1:1 ratio, and then some sort of plastic scraper after a couple days of soaking.

+1

Additionally, if the sump is in that condition then the acrylic likely has scratches so expect to see that and I suggest that you start now researching (if you wish) how to fix those scratches - most of it can be corrected, but it will take work. Good luck!

 

[cvrle1]

Before going vinegar route, try just to fill it up with water and then scrape algae off using Mr Clean magic eraser. Use only original one, and not scented ones. It took algae off on my acrylic tank really well and easily. If that doesnt work, go with above recommendations.

 

[Ucyibd1]

How long did you soak then for??

Depends on the amount of buildup. I only had to soak each side for a few hours. Most of it just wiped off. Some required a little persuasion.

 

[Alev_Apex]

How long did you soak then for??

 

[Alev_Apex]

Here is another picture

 

[lapin]

Its a sump and it will get dirty unless you have one of those day-glow ones and polish it every day. Dont be too concerned about getting everything.
I would first try with your 1/1 mix and see how much comes off. If it is stubborn then a soak is in order. You can also use a plastic scraper as well as these.

Algae Cutter Bags

with aquarium algae cleaning magnets and tools for aquarium maintenance from Mighty Magnets. Floating aquarium magnets, underwater scratch removal kits, gravel vacuums, special algae pads for fish and reef tanks make cleaning fast. Sometimes called floating algae remover magnets, these aquarium...

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[Alev_Apex]

I have the sump soaking with vinegar and water. Tried scraping it off gently with my nail to see how bad it was and it's CAKED on there. We will see how it comes off this weekend when I have time! I'll probably start a built thread. Thanks everyone with your advice!