cleaning an aquarium

[mr~python]

i got an awesome freebie tank for my future ackie but it was used for fish before and there is the watermarks that won't come off. my dad said to use a damp rag with salt and that worked pretty good but mostly just on the dry algae at the bottom of the tank. i know a lot of people here have aquariums and i was wondering if anybody has any little secrets to get the water marks off.

thanks, marshall

[Shelby]

Sometimes a razor blade will do the trick.. just watch your fingers!

[mr~python]

that wont scratch the glass?

[Blu Mongoose]

Vinegar on a rag works great for me, then I just rinse well.

[mr~python]

thats what my mom said. ill have to try that next.

[recycling goddess]

a razor blade and vinegar should clean it up completely for you. the razor blade shouldn't scratch the tank if it's glass but it will if it's plexi.

aleesha

[jknudson]

I'll third the vinegar recommendation! I've used that several times without fail.

[frankykeno]

Marshall, see if you can find pickling vinegar. It should be very near the regular stuff. It's just vinegar but super strength stuff. Watch your eyes...stuff burns like the devil if you splash some while cleaning or get it in any scratches or nicks on your hands but it cleans even better than regular vinegar. If the watermarks are up near the top, soaks some old towels in this strong vinegar and drape into the tank, pressing them against the marks. Let them sit there all day. That should give the vinegar more time to act on the marks and hopefully help you remove them easier.

Oh btw...your room will stink of vinegar LOL. Remember to ventilate and remove all traces of that strong vinegar from the tank of course.

[Melicious]

Vinegar is pretty much the all-purpose cleaner. It's great for scorpion stings and it helps clean up pretty much anything else. I'd use it, but please remember to RINSE quite a few times so that you don't have it in the tank when you more your kids in there.

[tigerlily]

It's great for scorpion stings and it helps clean up pretty much anything else.

It's also good for jellyfish stings too.