Severe salt stains how to get rid off???

[dave171]

Hi so I recently got a 56 bowfront tank and stand for free. The stand is in beautiful shape but the tank is in fair. I'm trying to get the salt build up off the back glass and just not working out. It almost looks as if the glass was damaged by it no longer smooth and clear. The person left it filled with crushed coral and sand and not cleaned for a year. So that dose not help. Any ideas other than I could just go with a backdrop which im not totally opposed too. If so anyone have suggestions for one for a mixed reef? Thanks!

 

[kschweer]

Can you post a picture? Maybe old coraline which can be a bit tough to get off or mineral deposits. When I cleaned my tank I used straight white vinegar sprayed on and let sit for a few minutes and used a razor blade to scrape it off. For really tough spots take a towel soaked in vinegar and let it sit on the area for a while, re-wet the towel if needed and use the razor when "softened" up.

 

[kschweer]

My tank before and after cleaning. All I used was distilled vinegar and a razor.

 

[dave171]

Its on the outside tho so not corraline. Lol some hard salt.

 

[kschweer]

Its on the outside tho so not corraline. Lol some hard salt.

Try the vinegar and towel method. If that doesn't work you may have to look into polishing the glass which can be a pain. Do you plan on painting the back of the tank?

 

[dave171]

Hmm no didn't plan on it. But Ill definitely consider it what type of paint would I use? Does it have to be "fish safe" or no? I mean that tank was free so I'm not complaining lol. And for polishing the glass what do I use like 1500 grit sandpaper and some gloss or what ?

 

[kschweer]

Usually for polishing glass jewlers rouge is used. As for painting the glass I always use regular spray paint. I usually do flat black. I have found that the flat tends to run or drip less than gloss. Go slow with thin coats.

 

[dave171]

Hmm that might be the easiest kinda don't wanna deal with polishing it. Thanks for the help I have a month or two before I'm setting it up so I have plenty of time to paint it! Thanks again!

 

[kschweer]

Hmm that might be the easiest kinda don't wanna deal with polishing it. Thanks for the help I have a month or two before I'm setting it up so I have plenty of time to paint it! Thanks again!

No problem. Let us know how it works out.

 

[jasonandsarah]

Might want to consider still being able to see it after painting. It'll probably make your background look foggy in the spots with these marks.
If it is salt or calcium then the vinager trick described above should work. If not using almost any light duty polishing compound should at the very least make it better.

 

[dave171]

Might want to consider still being able to see it after painting. It'll probably make your background look foggy in the spots with these marks.
If it is salt or calcium then the vinager trick described above should work. If not using almost any light duty polishing compound should at the very least make it better.

I think I wanna paint it regardless. But I see what you are saying I'll try and polish it and if that helps hooray. If not oh well hopefully some corraline or maybe I can get some type of coral that will grow on my back glass to cover it up haha.