Steel wool

[eliyareef]

Can I use steel wool to clean algae of the inside of a tank?

 

[cmcoker]

I wouldn't, can you spray/soak it with water, and vinegar for coralline, diluted bleach can help with organics

 

[FMF0331]

i wouldn't .. why not use a algae scraper. This is what i use on my tanks

 

[Labridaedicted]

I can't say no enough to this.

Firstly, it will likely scratch your glass. Second, the filaments of metal will fall off into the tank and release unwanted compounds as they break down. Third, the manufacturing process uses oils and other chemicals that will be released into the water.

Get an algae scraper as mentioned above, or a magfloat with the scraper attachment (what I use) add either will remove all algae (including coralline) fairly easily.

 

[cmcoker]

I wouldn't, can you spray/soak it with water, and vinegar for coralline, diluted bleach can help with organics

I should clarify, I was thinking this was an empty tank when I posted this response.
If the tank is full, then yes just use an algae scraper, none of the things I mentioned!

 

[bobby.w.hodges]

I always find that a razor blade works best for me. Cheap too.

 

[eliyareef]

Thanks

 

[Fin]

If the tank is empty, auto detailers use #0000 steel wool to clean paint overspray & contaminates on auto glass. I used some yesterday to get some hard water marks out of a couple of our drinking glasses. I would only use it to polish up the tank though. Not sure it would do much on heavy cleaning of the tank.

 

[Cory]

Yes you can use 0000 steel wool if the tank is empty. Just be sure to remove any bits of metal as they contain more than just iron.

 

[reefwiser]

Use a magic eraser does a great job cleaning glass

 

[Paul B]

Yes, you can use steel wool if you want on an empty, glass tank.