How to break up cement

[SMB]

So, sadly I have to take down my tank. I have found homes for the inhabitants and now I have to clean up the tank.
My base rock is completely cemented to the bottom of the tank by sand that has solidified with calciferous algae.
I'm afraid to pry too hard with any instrument. If, after I empty the tank I soak the areas with straight white vinegar will that loosen up the cement?
White vinegar always cleans my power heads without problems. Vinegar should not hurt the tank seals as long as I don't leave it in for hours and rinse the tank out well?

 

[Blenniesarebest]

Want to just sell the tank ?

 

[SMB]

Tank is sold. Cleaning it up for the buyer.

 

[Nathan Milender]

If the cement is growth from coraline it should dissolve with something acidic. I would try some citric acid as a fist try. Vinegar is also probably fine there have been some reports of it hurting plastics, not sure about silicon. If you can make a barrier of towels and squirt it in with a syringe you can probably protect the seals. Or, just take it out and tell the buyer to consider re-doing silicone or not at his/her discretion.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I'd definitely start with a mild acid like vinegar and then eventually work your way up. Ventilation is key though.

I'm curious, I'm guessing you were dosing 2 part?

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I wouldn't worry about it harming your seals. I've soaked my current tank in vinegar for over a week.

I would imagine that hydrochloric acid would be perfectly fine as well.

 

[SMB]

I'd definitely start with a mild acid like vinegar and then eventually work your way up. Ventilation is key though.

I'm curious, I'm guessing you were dosing 2 part?

Yup, dosing two part. I was very good at growing coraline!

 

[SMB]

If the cement is growth from coraline it should dissolve with something acidic. I would try some citric acid as a fist try. Vinegar is also probably fine there have been some reports of it hurting plastics, not sure about silicon. If you can make a barrier of towels and squirt it in with a syringe you can probably protect the seals. Or, just take it out and tell the buyer to consider re-doing silicone or not at his/her discretion.

Good idea about the towels. Haven't got all the rock out yet. Don't know how many pieces are really stuck. Project for this weekend.

 

[SMB]

Just a follow up on the cement conundrum..
The fused sand was not as deep on one end of the tank. When I lifted up an attached rock there it brought the attached sand with it. That started the ball rolling as I could get under the shelf and I could lift out the entire sand bed !!
Underneath there was an incredible tunnel system that went almost the length of the tank with my Pistol Shrimp sitting comfortably in its burrow. So the whole bottom of the tank is free. The rock still needs some work, but all livestock is out. So now to the clean up.