Cleaning advice

[fatcat2274]

I need some advice here. I was recently given a 55 gallon aquarium from someone who used to keep freshwater fish in it. There is a layer of what i can only describe as brown scum (probably a combo of hard water stains and algae). I have tried getting it wet with really hot water and scrubbing and this stuff is relentless. Does anyone have any suggestions on what i could use to get it clean. I plan on turning it into a SW tank if i can ever get it clean and i am a little hesitant to use any household cleaners to get this stuff off. At this point i am open to ALL suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[nycbob]

add some bleach and rinse it. make sure u rinse everything off afterward.

 

[geridoc]

Bleach might not work, but add chlorine neutralizer after the bleach. Hard water scum like you describe is usually acid-soluble. You could use muriatic acid (available at paint stores), but be careful - it is hydrochloric acid and has the potential to burn, or glycolic acid (skin care stores have it).

 

[rcoultas]

If you use the bleach you'll need to rinse numerous times before putting into service to remove any residue of phospates. Acids can potentially damage the sealant so that I would call a last resort. You could simply use a razor blade to scrape it off (assuming it is glass)

 

[bronco]

How about vinagar?

 

[salty blues]

Or try some vinegar.

 

[salty blues]

Originally Posted by salty blues
Or try some vinegar.
Yeh, I know I'm a smart a**.

 

[kynekke]

That exact same thing happened to me. I bought a handled razorblade jobbie and it scraped off after soaking in hot water.

 

[fatcat2274]

Thanks for all of the advice. I was afraid of the residual effects of bleach or houshold cleaners. Also, with it being a glass aquarium i was afraid to break out the steel wool or SOS pad for fear of scratching the glass. I have a log weekend ahead of me so maybe i will try the razorblade idea. Thanks again for the help!