removing deposits from glass!!

[donricodelavega]

I'm trying to remove white deposits from the exterior of a tank. I've try everything, CLR, vinegar, scrubbing baking soda, even paint thinner in desperation. I can't seem to get it off. Its a used tank, and it looks like the deposits are on the back where the water has continuously spilled, not been wiped, and dried on the glass. I'm not sure, but I think the tank was salt before. I'd just use the other side but its got alot of scratches inside.

anyone have ANY ideas out there short of a sanding disk to get this crud off?

Thanks
Rich

[rottn]

I had a used tank that had horrible deposits on it. I tried vinegar, and was just killing myself with minimal results.

My hubby suggested just filling it up (to the point of overflow) and letting it sit outside overnight (this was in the summer).

I had nothing to lose, so I did, and the next day the tank came clean with minimal scrubbing! Honest to God - true story!

Not sure this will help you since it's winter, but thought I'd share.

[donricodelavega]

I've tried vinegar. I have the tank sitting on its side inorder to the cleaning products "soak" because, unfortunately the deposit are on the outside of the tank. I can't fill it and let it soak.

Thanks for the suggest though.
Rich

[Wayne's World]

How big is the tank. Either try the bathtub with a gal of vinegar, or maybe a silicon dam and clr or vinegar. I just finished cleaning my overflow box (totally covered in calcium and coraline) with just letting it sit in a bucket of water and vinegar, took a week. I would have used clr or calcium remover but I didn't want to use a harsh chemical.

[donricodelavega]

The tank is a 65 gallon.
48L x 16D x 18H.

I'm assuming too big to soak. Unless I had a 100 gallon to put it in.

Rich

[Mckitrick]

CLR will probably get it off but it might render the tank useless if it gets inside the tank!
I don't know what's in CLR but be careful.

Actually, reading back, it looks like you already tried CLR.

Gasoline might work but it will eat the silicone.:angry:

[Dman]

Did you try razor blading it off?
Dman
:spin:

[Chrismo]

How about putting it in a industral long garbage bag with the scummy side down and filling the bag with vingar/water?? (Or try a turkey baster, I hear they'll do anything. They're not just for impregnating lesbians... ) sorry

A 65 gal is probably 48 x 18 x 18. (not 16"). I'm just mentioning it because it's new and you might be ordering a tank stand or something. doublecheck. :)

Chrismo

[donricodelavega]

Yeah, I've tried the razor blade. It didnt come off.
I've heard a couple other options.

Muriatic acid. (which I've read is about as healthy as a kick to the face)
or
Cerium Oxide polishing powder (a compound used to polish scratches from glass, eye glasses, telescope mirrors, etc)

I've been trying to find a place in Toronto that has the cerium oxide. If anyone knows where I'd find the stuff please know.Or if you have any other ideas let 'em rip.

Thanks
Rich

[Chrismo]

There is a science store connected to a telescope store on Dufferin right across from the Yorkdale mall.

It's called Epstens Science I think? They have chemistry stuff, and the related telescope store might have that or a glass polishing/acid.

Chrismo.

[Wayne's World]

Lay the aquarium flat stain side up, then draw a thick bead of silicon around the stain, let it dry, fill the dam with clr and let it sit. It should work, then just remove the silicon bead with your razor blade.

[afss]

what caused the stains on the exterior???

Scott

[donricodelavega]

Well I was told it was a cichlid tank. So I'm assuming it a nasty freshwater mess.

Rich

[afss]

:D

If its on the outside (exterior) i would try putting wet paper towel on it and let it soak for a while and then scrape with a razor blade. If its on the inside i would fill the tank up with watter and let soak, then scrape. I still can't imagine what would get on the outside of the glass

[Dman]

Sounds like it is a hard water stain, a CLR soak really should fix the problem, if not then, wow.
You're in Scarberia, perhaps I can come out and take a shot at it.
Dman
:spin:

[donricodelavega]

I was able to find some Cerium Oxide at a glass place on Kingston Rd. It took about, 6-8 hours of polishing with a drill and buffer but I was able to get the tank to the point it was viewable. Some of the stains are still visible if you look down the length of the glass but that about all. I'd spend more time on it but I figure for the effort and time I'd just replace the tank later if it bothered me.

Thanks for all the ideas strangers. You should all get together and building rockets or something. Those solutions were uber good.

Rich:thumbsup: