Removing Tank Scratches
- Thread starter janice
- Start date
janice
Member
I just use the standard little sponge-like algae scrapers. And just recently I found a plastic thing that looks like a razor blade but with a soft plastic end. I think my algae is just bad enough that over time, the scratches just got really bad. But maybe I am using something wrong??? who knows??? My LFS certainly doesn't! None of the problems I've ever had have been covered in any of my books!
I was afraid there was no solution. Still wavering about taking down my tank.
I learned from this website that it is NOT normal to have green and brown algae literally covering your entire glass and rocks and it is not normal to spend hours a week scraping your glass and cleaning the rocks. Even if I get the algae under control (which I've been at a loss of how to do this for the past 6 monts), I'm not sure it's worth it with the scratches on the glass.
Sigh, sorry about the whining, just not a good fish week...
I was afraid there was no solution. Still wavering about taking down my tank.
I learned from this website that it is NOT normal to have green and brown algae literally covering your entire glass and rocks and it is not normal to spend hours a week scraping your glass and cleaning the rocks. Even if I get the algae under control (which I've been at a loss of how to do this for the past 6 monts), I'm not sure it's worth it with the scratches on the glass.
Sigh, sorry about the whining, just not a good fish week...
mr . salty
Active Member
That is the bad thing about glass tanks.Although it takes alot to actually scratch glass,once it is done your stuck with the scratch. Unless you can #1 turn the tank around(hopefully the back is not damaged)#2replace the scratched pane of glass...
old salt
Member
Do you have a janitor crew? I've got a bunch of hermits and snails working to keep things clean.... If you don't, get some... if you do, try the advice given here about reducing your algae (avoid direct sunlight, don't overfeed, don't use tap water (but airate your water), etc...) Also, if you don't have a test kit for phosphates, get one, and get a phosphate sponge to help reduce if need be (phosphates and silicates are building blocks for nasty algae)... be patient and hopefully things will come together... also, use the search function on this site to find answers that have already been given... helps alot... and listen to the sharks.. (dont trust me LOL)
janice
Member
I have somewhat of a cleanup crew (turbo snails, bumble bee snails, crab, fish that supposedly eat algae), but I was thinking if I get this turned around I wouldn't mind buying one of those packages I saw on this website. I didn't know how many of what to buy, but I like how you can buy a package specific to your tank size.
Thanks for the advice on the search option - I hadn't seen that.
And yes, I've checked out all the great advice on algae - if you followed some of my other posts you'll see that I almost killed everything with my latest attempt to get it under control :^( I have one more attempt coming.. if that doesn't do it, I give up.
Thanks for the advice on the search option - I hadn't seen that.
And yes, I've checked out all the great advice on algae - if you followed some of my other posts you'll see that I almost killed everything with my latest attempt to get it under control :^( I have one more attempt coming.. if that doesn't do it, I give up.
old salt
Member
I know... I was the one who told you a water change with RO water wouldn't be a problem (I get my RO water from lfs, not a bottle). I really hope you don't give up... try a little patience (you've obviously had some success as long as your tank has been up). Sounds like you've got the right kind of cleaners... maybe not enough? or sunlight or over feeding, or something... anyway, If I were you I'd methodically correct all the issues identified, then give it at least a month or two to clear up... in the meantime just live with the scratches
Good luck and hang in there!
Good luck and hang in there!
janice
Member
Thanks Old Salt. My RO mistake was really stupid - seems obvious in retrospect.
Yeah, I'm reluctant to do anything right now since my fish need to get over the shock and burying the big guy is bound to change the PH, nitrite, etc., not to mention the balance of power amongst the fish (although I thought I saw them having a party this morning...)
My next step is the RO filter... I'll probably try changing water with RO from a filter in two weeks. Think I can manage that without killing everyone?
Yeah, I'm reluctant to do anything right now since my fish need to get over the shock and burying the big guy is bound to change the PH, nitrite, etc., not to mention the balance of power amongst the fish (although I thought I saw them having a party this morning...)
My next step is the RO filter... I'll probably try changing water with RO from a filter in two weeks. Think I can manage that without killing everyone?
old salt
Member
LOL... you'll be fine... One thing though, Trey had mentioned your Nitrite reading being above zero... I wonder if something happened in your tank to cause a mini-cycle... that could explain the algae bloom too maybe? (just guessing)...
I think you should monitor your readings carefully and get them ALL in check before you do a water change (you can still get your RO filter and prepare some water... just be sure you get ph AND temp the same as your tank water before adding). I would try to bounce this against someone more experience than I am...
I think you should monitor your readings carefully and get them ALL in check before you do a water change (you can still get your RO filter and prepare some water... just be sure you get ph AND temp the same as your tank water before adding). I would try to bounce this against someone more experience than I am...
janice
Member
Yeah, he did say the nitrite should be 0 but didn't say what to do about it. The mini cycle is an interesting idea but it has been going on for many months. hmmmm
I will take to my LFS and see what they think about the nitrite level.
I will take your advice about balancing the PH and temp of the water before adding.
Not sure I can take your advice on not doing a water change soon because I need to remove some of the algae before it gets out of control and clogs the filters. Maybe I'll try to do multiple "little" water changes. Or even just take a gallon or two out without replacing it... hmmm.
I will take to my LFS and see what they think about the nitrite level.
I will take your advice about balancing the PH and temp of the water before adding.
Not sure I can take your advice on not doing a water change soon because I need to remove some of the algae before it gets out of control and clogs the filters. Maybe I'll try to do multiple "little" water changes. Or even just take a gallon or two out without replacing it... hmmm.