Lets Bust A Myth

[Dom]

For as far back as I can remember, I've always heard that you shouldn't use Windex or other glass cleaners directly on the tank glass. I've always ignored this advice and have been using glass cleaners on all of my tanks for years without detriment.

Glass is a non-porous material. If it weren't, then it wouldn't hold water. So if glass can prevent water from coming out of the tank, why should we be concerned with glass cleaner getting in?

I understand that there is the possibility of getting spray in through the top of the tank or perhaps even the sump. But the mist that might get into the tank is so small, even into a 10 gallon tank, it would be so diluted that it would be rendered harmless.

Is it harmful to us glass cleaner directly on the tank glass?

Let's discuss.

 

[AnotherReefHobbyist]

I think it is fine if you spray the cleaner on a towel or something away from the tank, and then use the towel, but I would be worried about overspray, so no need to take a risk.

 

[Jekyl]

@Randy Holmes-Farley care to weigh in?

 

[muzikalmatt]

While I've never done it and have read many times that you shouldn't, I can see where you're coming from. If the concern is accidentally spraying it into the tank you could always spray it onto your cloth away from the tank and then use it as needed.

I've always just used some RO water and a microfiber towel to clean the outside glass and for more stubborn stains or salt creep, good ole saliva does the trick. I guess I don't see the need to use glass cleaner especially if there is a potential risk, albeit very minuscule.

 

[jassermd]

I agree with OP.
I use Windex on my tank glass (all 4 tanks) without any issue. That said, I do spray the Windex on a paper towel in another room beforehand. I don't spray it directly on the glass, that's for sure!

 

[xcountryx]

I've done the same. Spray away from the tank in a different room then wipe the glass clean.

 

[Azedenkae]

Wait, there's a concern of windex getting through the glass? I always thought it's just about not getting windex in the water via the top.

 

[Sean Clark]

I use Windex all of the time. I think the "issue" is the small amount of chemicals that may be suspended in the air making their way into the tank/water. I spray it onto a paper towel not onto the glass. I would use straight ammonia this way and not worry about it. This is a non issue in my opinion.

 

[attiland]

Completely agree with it is little to no hazard. Of course you need to be carful of the orientation of spraying but that is all. Most of it is alcohol.
or if you want to go green you can use lemon or vinegar instead but most of the time a sprinkle of water does the job anyway.

 

[ColoredRock]

1/3 RO water 2/3 white vinegar Sprayed directly on the glass.. paper towel .. micro fiber if I want to get fancy.

 

[OrchidMiss]

While I've never done it and have read many times that you shouldn't, I can see where you're coming from. If the concern is accidentally spraying it into the tank you could always spray it onto your cloth away from the tank and then use it as needed.

I've always just used some RO water and a microfiber towel to clean the outside glass and for more stubborn stains or salt creep, good ole saliva does the trick. I guess I don't see the need to use glass cleaner especially if there is a potential risk, albeit very minuscule.

You may want to clarify just a little.
Makes you sound like a tank licker...

 

[Dan_P]

For as far back as I can remember, I've always heard that you shouldn't use Windex or other glass cleaners directly on the tank glass. I've always ignored this advice and have been using glass cleaners on all of my tanks for years without detriment.

Glass is a non-porous material. If it weren't, then it wouldn't hold water. So if glass can prevent water from coming out of the tank, why should we be concerned with glass cleaner getting in?

I understand that there is the possibility of getting spray in through the top of the tank or perhaps even the sump. But the mist that might get into the tank is so small, even into a 10 gallon tank, it would be so diluted that it would be rendered harmless.

Is it harmful to us glass cleaner directly on the tank glass?

Let's discuss.

What if you sprayed the amount used to clean the glass directly into the aquarium? Ignoring any possible toxic effects of the other ingredients, you would not be adding much ammonium to the aquarium.

Easy to test. Take one gallon of tank water, add 5 mL window cleaner, measure the total ammonia.

 

[xcountryx]

 

[attiland]

But windex is good for everything

 

[Midrats]

A wet cloth and a squeegee works way better than Windex, and even better, a Norwex cloth. The squeegee is collecting dust now.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I just use plain water, I'll bet you my glass is just as clean as your glass. And I dont have to be careful.

 

[Dburr1014]

I spray a towel in another room and wipe the Inside glass down to get all the algae off.

 

[Dburr1014]

I spray a towel in another room and wipe the Inside glass down to get all the algae off.

Wait, what did I say? Lol.
No the outside of the glass.

 

[dakoop]

You're supposed to clean the glass?

 

[attiland]

You're supposed to clean the glass?

No only if you want to see what is inside the tank.