Misting my tank?

Question

i've noticed a build up on all my tanks of what can only be descibed as lime. no matter how hard i clean it, the stuff won't come off.

i've used spring water and city water. this seem to start when i used spring water to mist my tanks. then i switched to city water, and noticed no difference.

can some one suggest something that is save to get this gunk off my tanks. is this build up unsafe for my critters? i have a scorpion, millipede, crested gecko, and a tarantula.

what is causing this?

Answer 1

this is hard water build up, it is VERY difficult to remove if you can even get it off at all, distilled water is the best for misting, i learned this the hard way myself, i have 6 tanks that are all spotty from me using tap water with a reptile water conditioner in it, i am building custom enclosures now since my two largest tanks are thrashed. no the build up is not hazardous it is the same stuff in the water and they obviously drink this also. all of the suggestions above are good to try but i would be VERY careful using Lime Away this could KILL your "critters" if ANY of the chemicals are left on the glass. i personally wouldnt attempt using chemicals on my snake tanks unless it is for reptiles and their enclosures, i would just live with the build up.
Good luck and happy herping

Answer 2

Meh... I have frogs, a snake and a tarantula myself (not to mention countless fish tanks) and I know what you're talking about, it is a mineral deposite from the water. Most spring water or mountain water is going to have more minerals in it than city water. This build-up is not a big deal at all, as far as the safety of your critters is concerned but if you find it absolutely unsightly and must get rid of it, here's how without using chemicals or "remedies" that can be essentially dangerous for your arachnids (I know how it goes, finding something T friendly). Hot water, a sponge made for fish aquariums (they make one especially for getting off mineral deposites) and believe it or not, salt! You can also get a scrapper made for removing mineral deposite but let me tell ya, that can be a pain in the you-know-what!! As for preventing it... Distilled water is expensive. Trust me... I've tried it and it just gets way too expensive way too quickly and it is not convienant at all. Stick with the city water, it should have less minerals than the spring water and it shouldn't cause the build-up as quickly. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

The scale on the glass and other surfaces is from dissolved minerals in the water. Distilled water is supposed to have no mineral content and is pure H2O. To remove the lime and other deposits, use a sharp single edge razor blade. CAUTION ! Razor blades are very sharp and care should be used while removing the lime (a blade holder tends to save blood if you slip .... I HAVE DONE THAT !!) and do not cut into the silicone sealer near the corners of the aquarium.

Answer 4

To use something that would be safe for your animals, try diluting some vinegar or lemon juice (1 part of this to 5 parts water). If this doesn't do it, try adding a bit more of the non-water part to make it stronger.

Lime is calcuim carbonate, and basic. Vinegar and lemon juice are acids, so this should dissove it. Just rinse very well. And you might want to move your critters to temporary quarters till it dries - the vinegar will have an odor, but it shouldn't hurt them.

Answer 5

you might want to try a lime remover then clean the tank thoroughly with repti-clean tank cleaner, and try tap water with repti-safe water conditioner in it from now on its safer for the reptiles

Answer 6

sounds like hard water stains,try using the gallon jugs of nursery water you can find them in the water isle in your local grocery store.It's a softer water