Newly setup tank with glass stains?

[SaltwaterScoop]

I setup my tank last Saturday with water, rock, and sand.

The tank only had dry rock, dry sand, and ro water.

I drained it to do some leveling and noticed stains all over the glass. Especially around the waterline. It won't come off with wiping or vinegar...

Any idea what it is / how to remove it?

 

[JumboShrimp]

I predict it will become less noticeable (dissipate?) during the next few weeks, only to return again if the tank is drained for a time. But if you want to be more proactive with what is at the waterline, you can drain the tank by a few inches and make a paste of Barkeeper’s Friend (Walmart / Amazon) and use some elbow grease with a rag. But don’t rinse it into the tank, wipe it off with RO/DI water on a clean rag or paper towel. Do an inch or two at a time. It’s not a guarantee that it will come off, but it might help significantly.

 

[SaltwaterScoop]

I predict it will become less noticeable (dissipate?) during the next few weeks, only to return again if the tank is drained for a time. But if you want to be more proactive with what is at the waterline, you can drain the tank by a few inches and make a paste of Barkeeper’s Friend (Walmart / Amazon) and use some elbow grease with a rag. But don’t rinse it into the tank, wipe it off with RO/DI water on a clean rag or paper towel. Do an inch or two at a time. It’s not a guarantee that it will come off, but it might help significantly.

The water line isn't as noticeable as the sides of the tank. The stains are all over the panels

Do you happen to know what would cause this in a brand new tank?

I guess I'll wait a little longer to add salt and bacteria just in case I have to drain it again.

 

[Waters]

You can try a magic eraser also.....that might take it off.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Lol. You said “newly” set up. That could have been a used tank— just new to YOU. Hee, Hee. But in any case, I have seen the strange phenomena in brand new tanks I have set up… Cheap tanks and expensive custom tanks. I’m not nearly smart enough to explain the chemistry, but it seems like some reaction between the water and the glass that sorts itself out as your tank matures. Let’s see what others say, but I am optimistic for you. Best wishes!

 

[SaltwaterScoop]

Lol. You said “newly” set up. That could have been a used tank— just new to YOU. Hee, Hee. But in any case, I have seen the strange phenomena in brand new tanks I have set up… Cheap tanks and expensive custom tanks. I’m not nearly smart enough to explain the chemistry, but it seems like some reaction between the water and the glass that sorts itself out as your tank matures. Let’s see what others say, but I am optimistic for you. Best wishes!

Brand new waterbox 180.5. Thanks for the help!

 

[SaltwaterScoop]

You can try a magic eraser also.....that might take it off.

I'll try draining and vinegar + magic eraser tomorrow

 

[Chrisv.]

Nice aquascape! If you carefully run over the glass with a new clean razor blade, does this come off? If so, it's probably something biological. Bacteria, etc.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I setup my tank last Saturday with water, rock, and sand.

The tank only had dry rock, dry sand, and ro water.

I drained it to do some leveling and noticed stains all over the glass. Especially around the waterline. It won't come off with wiping or vinegar...

Any idea what it is / how to remove it?

Were the marks there before you filled with water?

If yes, it sounds like a defect.

If no, there is something in your water that caused it. Is it filled with RODI or are you mixing salt in the tank?

 

[Cell]

Glass haze can be caused by putting the tin side of low iron glass on the inside of the tank as opposed to the outside. Not sure this is what you are dealing with though.

 

[Sean Clark]

Fresh razor blade will clean it right up.

 

[Chrisv.]

Glass haze can be caused by putting the tin side of low iron glass on the inside of the tank as opposed to the outside. Not sure this is what you are dealing with though.

I never knew about this. Would you elaborate? (Sorry, I know that's a bit open ended).

 

[gbroadbridge]

I setup my tank last Saturday with water, rock, and sand.

The tank only had dry rock, dry sand, and ro water.

I drained it to do some leveling and noticed stains all over the glass. Especially around the waterline. It won't come off with wiping or vinegar...

Any idea what it is / how to remove it?

Sorry, just re-read your post.

If it was only there after you added water it came from the rock.
You did rinse the rock yes?

A cloth dipped in Hydrochloric acid will get it off and is harmless to the tank. Not harmless to you so use gloves. Pool acid will work (muriatic acid) and is also harmless to the tank.

 

[SaltwaterScoop]

Nice aquascape! If you carefully run over the glass with a new clean razor blade, does this come off? If so, it's probably something biological. Bacteria, etc.

Thanks! I used marco rock pieces, Marco cement, and lots of brs super glue... I'm thinking the rock/cement/sand might have something to do with the stains

Sorry, just re-read your post.

If it was only there after you added water it came from the rock.
You did rinse the rock yes?

A cloth dipped in Hydrochloric acid will get it off and is harmless to the tank. Not harmless to you so use gloves. Pool acid will work (muriatic acid) and is also harmless to the tank.

I didn't rinse the rock...think that was it?

 

[Cell]

I never knew about this. Would you elaborate? (Sorry, I know that's a bit open ended).

I really can't. I'm no expert and have no first hand knowledge. I'm just aware of phenomenon.

My Custom built Starfire tank has staining

I have an issue with my tank. I bought the tank last year, started to fill er up in August once we received all plumbing and equipment. Added lights in November. It's a Custom built 3/4" thick starfire glass by Crystal Dynamics Aquariums here in San diego. 60 x 32 x 24H. The problem had been...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[jmatt]

Possibly constructed wrong, with the 'tin side' in instead of out.

J Racenstein

Shop professional window cleaning, pressure washing, soft wash, and safety equipment trusted by cleaning pros across residential and commercial jobs.

www.jracenstein.com

 

[JumboShrimp]

Let’s ask an expert. @Joe Glass Cages , what’s the scoop here on this tin thing? Comments on the OP’s problem?

 

[SaltwaterScoop]

Possibly constructed wrong, with the 'tin side' in instead of out.

J Racenstein

Shop professional window cleaning, pressure washing, soft wash, and safety equipment trusted by cleaning pros across residential and commercial jobs.

www.jracenstein.com

There's stains on every panel so I'm hoping this isn't the case

 

[Big Smelly fish]

From what I see I would just get a algae pad and wipe the inside. Looks like sediment from the sand and rock.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Thanks! I used marco rock pieces, Marco cement, and lots of brs super glue... I'm thinking the rock/cement/sand might have something to do with the stains

I didn't rinse the rock...think that was it?

I do.
I's abrasive so wipe off carefully so as to not scratch the glass