Fish tank residue?

Question

I've kept a Fish tank for awhile now and every once in awhile the outside of the tank(around the top edge where the hood meets the tank) residue builds up I have to try to scrub it off with a damp rag that I wet in the tank water. Is there a way to keep this stuff from coming back? or is there maybe something out tehre that helps prevent it? It doesn't look like Algae, it looks more like the residue that minerals in water leaves behind but it's a pain to get off and it looks gross.

Answer 1

What you are seeing is hard water deposits. The best way to get it off is to use a clean razor blade, like a paint scraper. You can buy them at a hardware shop or Wal-Mart for $2 or you can go to a pet shop and pay $10. There is no way to prevent it, it is just something that all fish keepers have to put up with. Most of us try to hide it by keeping the water level high enough to be hidden by the plastic rim. This usually just makes it form on your hood, making it even harder to get rid of. Think of it like keeping a dog. No matter what you do, a dog is going to do things that get on your nerves, like smell crotches, or attract fleas. It is just something that you will have to learn to deal with.

Answer 2

Mineral residue is exactly what you are dealing with. To be honest except for trying to limit the splash or spray in the water, there isn't anything you can really do to prevent it from happening. It will happen wherever water evaporates. You can dry that area often to help, but it's always going to be with you. One of the dirty little secrets about aquariums most books, stores or websites don't tell you about.

MM

Answer 3

You could get one of the Mag Float Magnet things, they stay in the tank in a corner and it is easy to move them along the tank about once every day to make sure there is no more residue.. thats all i can think of sorry :] good luck

Answer 4

Does sunlight hit your aquarium? If i were you cover it with a long cloth or sumtin especially if it is sunny..so algae and other weird substances wont grow into your aquarium..