TAD Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 What is the best way to clean a used tank? I bought a 40breeder that was used for fresh water. It has a very hard scum line on it. I soaked it for 5 or 6 days and its still not coming off and its starting to um um make me mad. Thank you for any input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beckie Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 I have used regular salt and hot water mix on glass, you can even make a paste out of it.... On GLASS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Tried vinegar? Or muriatic acid (nasty stuff, be careful with it)? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Vinegar will take care of hard water lines. If that does not work, and you are into dangerous things, get some muriatic acid (aka hydrochloric acid) from Home Depot. It is NASTY stuff, and if you decide to go this way, PM me so I can give some safety instructions. dsoz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCG CWO Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Most of the time I use hot water and white vinegar. This works well for me. If it is really tough I use muriatic acid available a HD or lowes. It is usually outside in the outside section. If you use the muriatic acid just be sure to wear a face shield, rubber gloves and do not breathe the fumes. With both make sure you rinse well. Hope this helps. Shane Shoot Andy and Dennis beat me to it, dang!!!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 +1 or more on the vinigar 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Just thinking... A solution of vinegar and salt makes a little bit of hydrochloric acid. It is stronger than vinegar alone, but not as strong as muriatic acid. Then you can also use the extra salt crystals to help scrub into the glass. Don't scrub with an acrylic tank. dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 ah...good point Dsoz....DO NOT SCRUB ACRYLIC. you will be upset at outcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAD Posted March 24, 2009 Author Share Posted March 24, 2009 Thanks guys and gals. I will start this tonight. And no worries its a glass tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krux Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Muriatic works on acrylic in doses of around 40 parts water to 1 part acid... if you go this route don't be shy diluting it. FWIW dsoz, muriatic acid is another work for hydrochloric acid, the distinction usually being made for either molar strength or intended use (consumers who are afraid of the word hydrochloric ion their pools for example). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Vinegar will take care of hard water lines. If that does not work, and you are into dangerous things, get some muriatic acid (aka hydrochloric acid) from Home Depot. It is NASTY stuff, and if you decide to go this way, PM me so I can give some safety instructions. dsoz Krux- I know that they are the same thing (see post above). I teach chemistry to high schoolers for a living. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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