Let's talk about EXTERNAL glass cleaning?

Aaron Gustafson · Mar 23, 2017

Like many here, I use white vinegar. I have a glass lid too and I sometimes take that to the sink and soap it off, but vinegar does the trick and also does great on salt creep. I also don't have to worry about a drop getting in the tank (unlike glass cleaners).

WandaMay · Mar 24, 2017

I use microfiber for drips when they happen then when I really need to clean it usually after water changes I spray straight vinegar or vodka and water (I use vodka water and essential oils in a spray bottle for lots of household cleaning) and wipe down with paper towel and buff with clean microfiber Works great! I also make sure I check for haze/ smudges from angles and straight on and usually find spots I missed inside tank..... so I quickly get the scraper back out and clean those, dripping saltwater all over the outside of the freshly washed tank just so I can start process all over again LOL but hey maybe it will prevent flabby arms

GaZZaW · Mar 24, 2017

Just plain RO/DI and a chamoix leather.
Perfect

Heather w · Mar 24, 2017

Aaron Gustafson said:
Like many here, I use white vinegar. I have a glass lid too and I sometimes take that to the sink and soap it off, but vinegar does the trick and also does great on salt creep. I also don't have to worry about a drop getting in the tank (unlike glass cleaners).

Don't use soap on the lids!! Learned the hard way!! Use as hot as you can tolerate and I use a "fish only " scrubby. The hot glass will quickly dry and the remaining spot you just buff with a paper towel. NO SOAP!! My whole tank crashed!

SPR1968 said:
I use 'e cloth window cleaning class and window polishing pack' which consist of 2 clothes one of which you just get damp with water, and wipe the glass down (this removes grease, marks etc) and then immediately after whilst still damp you use the fine polishing cloth. You can get them online.

The tank glass is spotless and absolutely no smears at all. Works with either normal or RO. There also antibacterial but without chemicals.

DipSpit said:
Bought.

Centerline said:
Rain X twice a year + microfiber = Wipes right off wet or dry.

Heather w · Mar 24, 2017

A squeegee? That doesn't even make sense! Inside the tank it works great, but outside? Just where is the squeegee water supposed to go? It will end up on the stand and the floor. Just another message to clean up.

gobylove · Mar 24, 2017

Broadfield said:
Hmmmm, I don't use anything. Any water that drips/splashes onto the glass, I just instantly wipe off with a soft microfiber. Since it's salt water, it will sometimes leave a haze. Which I just use the dry side of the microfiber and wipe it again. My glass is absolutely spotless with this simple method. I guess if you don't keep on top of it then you would maybe need some for of liquid to re-soften the dried salt water.

i do the same

Brewman1987 · Mar 24, 2017

Fritz acrylic/glass cleaner with a microfiber towel. It also leaves the glass with a anti friction coating so the algae cleaning magnets just slide across .

BlennyKravitz · Mar 24, 2017

After cleaning really well with whatever method. Very carefully apply Rain-X to the exterior. Put the liquid on the rag first, don't spray.

No fingerprints. Salt brushes right off. seriously, this saves so much time. I never clean mine.

Works great on your iPad too.

Eliot · Mar 24, 2017

Newspaper

osras1 · Mar 24, 2017

I have always used the squeegee .. it works great but you have to get a new one every once and a while, because they bend.

BlennyKravitz · Mar 24, 2017

osras1 said:
I have always used the squeegee .. it works great but you have to get a new one every once and a while, because they bend.

Get a silicone one and they won't bend.

osras1 · Mar 25, 2017

Ill try that, my other one needs replacing.

Heather w · Mar 30, 2017

Brewman1987 said:
Fritz acrylic/glass cleaner with a microfiber towel. It also leaves the glass with a anti friction coating so the algae cleaning magnets just slide across .

Where would I find this?

Bob Escher · Mar 30, 2017

I use Kent Maine's glass cleaner
https://www.amazon.com/Kent-Marine-...25&sr=8-1&keywords=Kent+marine+glass++cleaner

Heather w · Mar 30, 2017

BlennyKravitz said:
After cleaning really well with whatever method. Very carefully apply Rain-X to the exterior. Put the liquid on the rag first, don't spray.

No fingerprints. Salt brushes right off. seriously, this saves so much time. I never clean mine.

Works great on your iPad too.

I bought the wipes to try rain mix it made my glass almost opac. What did I do wrong? I usually use auto glass cleaner on a paper towel. On the dry side I buff the whole thing. Takes about 2 minutes. I do it with my morning tank chores.

Mikedawg · Mar 30, 2017

I've had good luck with API's Safe And Easy glass cleaner; also good for removing salt build-up. Claims to be safe for fish and plants.

Bdog4u2 · Mar 30, 2017

Wet paper towels. I don't care about streaks with 4 small kids at the house within 10 mins it's loaded with finger prints or water drizzle from me fishing my mp's out after my smallest pulls the magnets