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	Old Tank, Lime Scale Problem
skyeye Fingerling Posts: 42 Kudos: 18 Votes: 1 Registered: 29-Oct-2007	Im gonna put my old tank back up, its a plain 10 gallon. The problem is, i seem to have a ton of limescale buildup. i dont wanna have to buy a new tank, so anyone know anyway to get rid of this stuff? i know chemicals could work, till u put this fish in and they die that is, so imma stear clear of them. any ideas how to remove the stuff?
Posted 17-Jul-2008 00:25
Joe Potato Fish Addict Kind of a Big Deal Posts: 869 Votes: 309 Registered: 09-Jan-2001	Vinegar and a razor blade should take care of the scale. If the tank has been dry for a long time, though, it might be better to just get a new tank (a ten gallon can be picked up on the cheap) rather than have the silicone joints fail and you winding up with 60 pounds of water on your floor.
Posted 17-Jul-2008 00:44
skyeye Fingerling Posts: 42 Kudos: 18 Votes: 1 Registered: 29-Oct-2007	hmm so the viniger weakens the silicone? the tanks only 4-5 years old, been dry bout 5-6 months now. id rather not buy a new 1, but what do u think?
Posted 17-Jul-2008 00:48
Joe Potato Fish Addict Kind of a Big Deal Posts: 869 Votes: 309 Registered: 09-Jan-2001	No, the vinegar won't weaken the silicone. Over time, though, it can dry-rot. If it's only been try a few months, you should be alright. To be safe, after you clean off all the lime scale, I'd fill it up and let it sit for a few days someplace you're not afraid to get a little water just to be completely sure it'll hold.
Posted 17-Jul-2008 00:52
skyeye Fingerling Posts: 42 Kudos: 18 Votes: 1 Registered: 29-Oct-2007	hmmm kk. the fact that its like 4-5 years old wont be a problem?
Posted 17-Jul-2008 00:53
Joe Potato Fish Addict Kind of a Big Deal Posts: 869 Votes: 309 Registered: 09-Jan-2001	If it was wet for most of that time, no. I have a 15 year old tank running just fine.
Posted 17-Jul-2008 01:16
skyeye Fingerling Posts: 42 Kudos: 18 Votes: 1 Registered: 29-Oct-2007	Edited by skyeye kk sorry to keep being a pest, but the viniger doesnt seem to be woroking. mind going a few lines deeper than just viniger and a razor blade? am i supposed to soak it or just a few drops? *btw our vinigers cold, someone put it in the fridge, would that make it not work?
Posted 17-Jul-2008 01:20
Joe Potato Fish Addict Kind of a Big Deal Posts: 869 Votes: 309 Registered: 09-Jan-2001	Let it soak for a while. The vinegar needs time to dissolve the calcium.
Posted 17-Jul-2008 01:33
skyeye Fingerling Posts: 42 Kudos: 18 Votes: 1 Registered: 29-Oct-2007	like 5 mins?
Posted 17-Jul-2008 01:35
Joe Potato Fish Addict Kind of a Big Deal Posts: 869 Votes: 309 Registered: 09-Jan-2001	You can certainly try it after 5 minutes, but if the deposits have been there the entire time the tank sat dry, I wouldn't be surprised if it takes a good deal longer. Here's a good article about it.
Posted 17-Jul-2008 01:39
skyeye Fingerling Posts: 42 Kudos: 18 Votes: 1 Registered: 29-Oct-2007	Edited by skyeye lol ty, prolly woulda been easier if u woulda posted that earlier but it said the longer they are on there the harder they are to get off. its been soaking bout 15 mins now in straight viniger and still not comeing off, and i tried to scrape it off, i guess i pressed to hard cause i took a chip outta the glass :/ good thing i was trying it on the hood glass first, but it aint big enough of a chip to hurt nuttin.
Posted 17-Jul-2008 01:52
Posted 17-Jul-2008 05:20	This post has been deleted
skyeye Fingerling Posts: 42 Kudos: 18 Votes: 1 Registered: 29-Oct-2007	crud accidently deleted last post... the viniger soak didnt work even after 2 hours no scale came off, so i called my uncle who has had tanks since he was about 7, and he said keep hot water in it with a bottle of viniger added if i want, and after 2 days scrub with a new grill brush or tire brush or plastic brillo pad that doesnt have any checmicals inserted to help clean with. a bit overzealous but hey if it works it works
Posted 17-Jul-2008 05:22


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