Is CLR safe to use in aquarium's?

Question

I know that I'd need to rinse like there's no tomorrow...but has anyone else tried this with positive results? AMMONIA...BAKINGSODA...VINIGER AREN'T WORKING.

It seems that the answers are going both ways...Here's a little more info....It's an old glass tank with a SLATE bottom. I'm worried that any chemicals used will soak into the slate.

Scraping isn't working...this is like water spots but with an attitude.

Answer 1

CLR (which is used to clean tubs and showers) contains the following ingredients: Water, Glycolic, Sulfamic, Citric Acids, Surfactants. So, water, acids, and surfactants (which are basically detergents). You could probably use it on an empty aquarium if you rinsed it exceptionally well afterwards, as you noted. I would not use it on an acylic tank, however, but a glass tank it should be okay.

I do have to ask, why are you considering using it? If you are trying to remove hard water deposits from an old aquarium you can use a solution of white vinegar and water which is safer and cheaper. I know you said you tried vinegar - did you let it soak for a few hours?

Answer 2

Clr Safe

Answer 3

Chemicals are never a good idea to use on an aquarium, depsite how much you rinse. What always works for me (and I've got some OLD tanks) is some aquarium salt (it's made especially for freshwater tanks, used for cleaning tanks and treating your tank water) and an algae sponge. Using the salt directly with a little bit of warm watter and gentle scrubbing with the algae sponge (don't scrub too hard or you'll scratch the glass) does wonders for mineral build up, as well as any algae stains you might still have.

Answer 4

No to the CLR or bleach or any other detergent. try letting it soak even in normal tap water for a day the using a hose with some pressure and a clean sponge, the kind with the rough green stuff on the back.
never use chemicals on an aquarium that will be used for fish or amphibians.

Answer 5

Absolutely no CLR! If you have a salt or mineral buildup on your glass, try using salt as an abrasive to remove it. No chemicals. If your tank is made of plexiglass.....no salt, it will scratch it! Try a product especially make to clean plexiglass.

I can tell you positively that the chemicals (CLR) will be absorbed by the slate and render the tank useless for fish, reptiles, amphibians or invertebrates.

Is it sealed with silicon or that black sealant?

Answer 6

Bleach is safe to use in and on all your aquarium items including the glass, but you've got to be sure to rinse it thoroughly, like at least 4 or 5 times, if there is any trace of bleach left on the inside of the glass, the water will dilute it and definitely kill the fish. Bleach has been used by 3 pet stores I know of for years and cuts through any algae, film, or any kind of residue.

Answer 7

It is possible to use it if you are very careful with rinsing. The trick is that you have to wet a paper towel with it, lie it on the glass, and cover it with plastic wrap overnight. Many of the chemicals in CLR evaporate before they have a chance to work.
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Answer 8

Just use Clear/Pure (non-Surficant/Sudsing) Ammonia mixed with water to wipe down your emptied out aquarium (because it will nitrify when you fill water back up for cycling).

Do not use Soap, and though CLR is good for many things I would not use it to clean my aquariums or my equipment with.

Answer 9

Use a straight edge razor to scrape off anything from the glass.

Answer 10

most ppl are going to say no but me ive used almost every thing in my aquarium to clean it with out killing my fish all you got to do is rinse it out real well and ive kept all kinds of fish the best thing to use really is viniger or speacial cleaners designed for aquariums but as long as you rinse it out really well it shouldnt hurt it