cleaning plastic on neglected tank

[mrbacony]

I just purchased a 40 gallon Innovative Marine tank. It is in pretty rough shape, but the owner assures me their are know scratches in the tank. I would like to keep it that way.
I have no issues with cleaning the glass with my scraper, but just found out that back "glass" is actually plastic. What can be used to clean this back plastic piece? I have had luck n the past with putting a paper towel soaked in vinegar on the back, but this is going to require a bit more elbow grease. I currently have the tank full of water and citric acid to break down the crud.

Can I use a green Scotch Brite pad to scrub the back, or is that asking for trouble?

 

[FSP]

Scotch Brite is a no go. Assuming IM used acrylic, easiest would be to scrape it with a softer plastic like teflon or polypro, but folks often use credit cards.

 

[RedoubtReef]

this is a glass tank with acrylic back?

 

[TheBear78]

The overflow box, if it has one, could well be acrylic in an otherwise glass tank but having a full acrylic rear pane? I'm not convinced.

 

[StatelineReefer]

Let the citric acid do it's thing for 12 hours, then come back with a microfiber towel and brush what's still clinging off.

If you still have issues, you can get a plastic 'gasket remover' from any auto store, it looks like a razor scraper, but has orange plastic inserts instead of actual razors. Be Gentle. Acrylic scratches and deforms very easily.

 

[mrbacony]

The overflow box, if it has one, could well be acrylic in an otherwise glass tank but having a full acrylic rear pane? I'm not convinced.

It is an AIO so the overflow is the back wall.
But I am with you... I never expected a plastic wall. Crazy thing is, there is a glass back on the "sump" section up to a certain point, then they put a plastic side into the tank. It is definitely plastic though.

I had a feeling a Scotchbrite was too abrasive. It is currently soaking with citric acid so I will give it a go tomorrow with a plastic card.
I also considered one of those "Scrub Daddy's" they tend to be much softer, but abrasive enough to remove the crud.

 

[RedoubtReef]

ah, ok. I get it now. Just let it soak as suggested using vinegar or citric acid. You can then use a magic eraser and/or acrylic blade to clean the acrylic. Something like this: https://fishtanksdirect.com/kent-marine-pro-scraper-ii-shorts-100100975km00538-1/