how can I remove hard water stains from a fish tank?

Question

I want to make my tanks really clean again, what can I use?

Answer 1

I had this problem too, I emailed fishtanks.org for the answer. in a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups vinegar and 1/2 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of brake fluid. Stir vigorously and let stand for 20 minutes. Pour into tank. Problems solved!

Answer 2

If your tank is glass (NOT acrylic), you can use a razor blade to scrape off excess calcium. If you don't trust yourself not to scratch your tank, try either:

a) Vinegar - it works for most calcium and lime buildup, but you may have to soak it and scrub til your arm falls off for it to work as well as you'd like. Make sure you rinse well, as any leftover vinegar residue will mess with your pH levels.
b) LimeOff (by Jungle) - it's a product designed just for aquariums to remove hard water stains. Doesn't require all the elbow grease that vinegar does, is relatively cheap, and won't kill your fish if you don't rinse it all away well. PetSmart even carries it!

Answer 3

You can buy a razor glass scraper in paint departments and dollar stores. It will not scratch the glass, but will easily scrape off the hard residue. You need not even take the fish out of the water. Just make sure you have a very dense filter media and do a water change as soon as you are done.

Answer 4

Vinegar will remove hard water stains. Just be sure to rinse it out really well with water. ;-)

Answer 5

Razor Blade

Answer 6

DO NOT use CLR or any other chemicals, as it will stay in the glass and kill your fish.

I recommend vinegar as well, but be sure to rinse the tank very thoroughly.

Answer 7

Take out the fish and srub hard.

Answer 8

A new tank?

Answer 9

CLR
it will work for you