Really bad Calcium build up! HELP

[Xbreakxitxdownx]

I just got a tank from a friend and it has really bad calcium build up
I tried white vingar and scrubbing it didn't work.. I tried white vingar then
Using a razer it kinda worked but still there any help? Next I'm about to
Fill the tank up with hot water and vingar.

 

[NanaReefer]

Boil the vinegar first. This increases the acidity. If possible use full strength, no water. How big is the tank?

 

[Xbreakxitxdownx]

90gal and it looks like the whole tank

 

[Xbreakxitxdownx]

@nanareefer
After I boil the vinegar do I spray it on the tank and let it set for 5-10 mins and reapply?

 

[NanaReefer]

That'll work. Just keep it wet with the vinegar for as long as possible. Under normal conditions it doesn't take long. But I'm thinking your's may take a while and some scrubbing/scraping.

 

[Eric B]

The easy way with no scrubbing but has to be done outside is to fill with water and pour in a few gallons of muratic acid (Sold outside in HD around my house) 1 gallon at a time with a small pump or power head. I would probably get 4 gallons or so if you go this route but always remember to add the acid after you add the water in the tank. Should clean it all off with very minimal scrubbing if any and once finished I usually add a few boxes of baking soda to neutralized the acid you will see it stop fizzing and just drain the water out. You can also mix up in smaller batches and just do a side at a time by laying tank on each side and that would use less acid but I am lazy and just fill up my tanks with water!

 

[saltykisses]

Omg ... Don't fool around with acid :-(

 

[saltykisses]

Well if your going to really rinse it well ..wouldn't kettle de scaler do the job.. I know it's for lime scale but isn't it v similar..

 

[saltykisses]

Either that or one of those bathroom steamer be careful dramatic change in temp will shatter your glass..

 

[Eric B]

Omg ... Don't fool around with acid :-(

Really what do you think vinegar is??? LOL I have been cleaning my aquarium stuff like this for years and would never use vinegar as it takes too much of my time scrubbing pieces all clean versus rinsing them off and being done. Read about it on the threads here and other forums as there are tons of folks around that use it! Just would limit my muratic acid to a 10% solution as that is as strong as you will ever need it to be but most of the time I use it weaker than that!

 

[saltykisses]

I'll take your word for it buddy ... Long may you continue .. Vinegar is fermented fruit isn't it..

 

[Eric B]

The OP can use which ever method they choose I was just throwing out another option because it looks as though they tried the vinegar and it failed for them! :bigsmile:

 

[Xbreakxitxdownx]

I am losing my mind!!
I have tried vinegar with razer blade
CLR mixed 50/50 nothing is working!!!

 

[jzaso]

Eric B is right on that-think your out of options at this point xbreak

 

[Xbreakxitxdownx]

Will it affect my tank if I fill it up pass the point of calcium so you can't really see it

 

[BODI]

Consider using some 0000 super-fine steel wool. Body & detail shops use it all the time to remove hard water deposit's (and paint overspray) from automotive glass.

 

[saltykisses]

Look dude your best bet is a descaler and soaking it ... Then filling it up with water and running carbon for a couple of days..

 

[Xbreakxitxdownx]

I got most of it off so it doesn't look that bad any more