how do i get this buildup off an old tank?

[SmokinReefer845]

im willing to use whatever it takes i just need this glass looking new again. will be deep cleaned with water multiple times before its used so lets hear what you guys got!

 

[billyocean]

I usually just fill it with water and vinegar with a cheap powerhead running in it for a day or two. Most stuff wipes right off. You can use a razor blade to scrape the glass if need be...or you can spot spray vinegar/water on it and let it sit

 

[SmokinReefer845]

I usually just fill it with water and vinegar with a cheap powerhead running in it for a day or two. Most stuff wipes right off. You can use a razor blade to scrape the glass if need be...or you can spot spray vinegar/water on it and let it sit

the seals on this tank are most likely not water safe im cleaning before i re silocone so i may have to use a blade

 

[JNalley]

Citric Acid, it's the most pump and aquarium-safe solution out there. Vinegar can mess up seals and other things, if it gets to the magnet in your pump(s) it can swell them. Citric Acid doesn't have that same drawback. Mix up some Citric Acid solution, soak a few paper towels or hand towels in it, and stick them to the side of the glass, this will allow the CA to soak into whatever it is, and you can wipe it away after it's soaked for a bit (usually 2-3 hours). No need to mix up a ton of it and fill the aquarium, and you can always clean your powerheads and such in the mixing bucket by letting them soak for a bit too.

 

[Woodyman]

Citric Acid, it's the most pump and aquarium-safe solution out there. Vinegar can mess up seals and other things, if it gets to the magnet in your pump(s) it can swell them. Citric Acid doesn't have that same drawback. Mix up some Citric Acid solution, soak a few paper towels or hand towels in it, and stick them to the side of the glass, this will allow the CA to soak into whatever it is, and you can wipe it away after it's soaked for a bit (usually 2-3 hours). No need to mix up a ton of it and fill the aquarium, and you can always clean your powerheads and such in the mixing bucket by letting them soak for a bit too.

This is the way, followed with a razor blade scraper and you should be good to go.

Use alcohol to clean glass prior to redoing any silicone, you want the glass as clean and debris free as possible before you reseal.

 

[billyocean]

^^^^this. Always clean my pumps with citric acid..hence the "cheap powerhead" route. Just found vinegar better for a tank clean on glass. And yes you can use the paper towel route for spots.

 

[SmokinReefer845]

th

Citric Acid, it's the most pump and aquarium-safe solution out there. Vinegar can mess up seals and other things, if it gets to the magnet in your pump(s) it can swell them. Citric Acid doesn't have that same drawback. Mix up some Citric Acid solution, soak a few paper towels or hand towels in it, and stick them to the side of the glass, this will allow the CA to soak into whatever it is, and you can wipe it away after it's soaked for a bit (usually 2-3 hours). No need to mix up a ton of it and fill the aquarium, and you can always clean your powerheads and such in the mixing bucket by letting them soak for a bit too.

this is exactly what i needed thank you

 

[Woodyman]

th

this is exactly what i needed thank you

If it is a stubborn stain/buildup you can always use muriatic acid as well, but follow proper safety precautions when using.

 

[scrappy35]

depending on what it actually is, cleaning can vary. I had one where that line was actually etched into the glass due to hard water. I actually bought a cleaning compound off Amazon. It works, but labor intensive. One piece of sand will ruin the tank while polishing though.

 

[40g Nano]

If it is a stubborn stain/buildup you can always use muriatic acid as well, but follow proper safety precautions when using.

I agree with muriatic acid if nothing else is working. It also takes off coralline