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This is probably a really stupid question, but here goes.
I got a 2ft tank a little over a week ago from an aquarium manufacturer, and there was quite a bit of glue residue on both the inside and outside of the glass. I used a razor blade to get all the visible glue off, and then used just water and cloth to clean the inside of the tank. I didn't want to use any soap or chemicals b/c I didn't want to risk leaving any harmful residue. I did all this cleaning at night and I though it looked pretty clean when I finished. I then set up the aquarium in a dark corner of the house and started my fishless cycling.

This weekend I got a light for it, and when I turned on the light, I saw that the glass isn't clear! There's this oily residue all over the glass which I couldn't get rid of on the outside with Windex, which means it's on the inside of the glass. The thing is, I'm already halfway through the cycling (nitrite peak ATM) and really don't want to dump everything out and start all over if I don't have to. I guess I could live with not looking at a clear glass, but the more important question is, do you think this residue (I presume it's from the glue) harm the fish? And even if I were to start all over, what should I use to clean the inside of the glass if plain water didn't do the job? Would regular soap be ok if I rinse it out well afterwards?

Thanks for reading through this ramble.

Last edited by upikabu at 26-Jun-2005 20:50

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Hi,
From what you describe, I suspect that the cleaning
cloths had something on them from the washing process.
Are you sure that what you are seeing is an oily
residue, or could it be a bacterial film?

If you are sure its oil, I think I'd empty the tank,
clean it, and start over again.
I would not take the chance.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Hi Frank,

How could I distinguish a bacterial film? I tried using my fingers to wipe it off, but the residue stayed on. I assume a bacterial film would disappear with a little finger scrub?

Thanks.

Last edited by upikabu at 26-Jun-2005 23:13

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upikabu

First thing is take it back here are several possible causes.

1 Cheap second grade glass.

2 When the glass was stacked and water got between the sheets. The water actually penetrates the glass.

2 If it was cleaned with a dirty cloth after I was made it should never been sold.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

FRANK

Does this sound like the glass discussion we had some time back.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Hi,
Yes, I assume that were the film bacterial that it would
rub off with a finger scrub.

I think I would drain the tank, and try a glass cleaning
solivent on it. Then clean the tank, yet again. Most of
those solivents evaporate leaving nothing behind that won't
rub off with a clean cloth.

OR, as Keith suggests, I'd take it back and get another,
cleaner, one.

Yes Keith, it does sound like an exchange of emails that
we had.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks a lot, Keith &amp; Frank!
I think I'll try moving the substrate and filter onto another new tank that I just got (from the same place, but I'll make sure to clean this one better!) so that hopefully at least some of the cycling bacteria can be rescued. Then try my best to clean this tank, or if I can't, take it back as you suggested. I just hope it's not b/c of a cheap glass. The place that I got it from does sell "new" tanks way cheaper than any other place in my area...

What glass cleaner would you recommend I use? I used vinegar, but it didn't work apparently. I have some pure ammonia too.

Thanks again!

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upikabu

The place that I got it from does sell "new" tanks way cheaper than any other place in my area...

There must be a reason for this. I can assure there is a lot of cheap imported glass used in Australia, some times second hand glass is used as well.

All my info has come from a glazier who worked in the trade all his working life.

I still recommend you take it back and go elsewhere and buy a betta tank. I located a very good tank excellent glass made locally far cheaper that a so called good brand name made in another state.


Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Hi Keith,

Thanks for the extra info. I just spent the last hour trying to clean the glass on the new tank I just bought from the same place. Now I'm convinced that the "residue" or whatever it is is actually within the glass itself (I can't get rid of it no matter what I used - hot water, vinegar, ammonia, even a bit of windex). They must use the cheap glass as you suggested. ]:|
I'm going to give them a call and complain tomorrow; not sure if they'll take the tanks back though - I might be out of luck there. I guess I really get what I pay for in this case.

Thanks again for your help.

-P

Just an update: I called the store today and told them about the problem. He was actually pretty nice about it and told me to bring the tanks back to be replaced. He said that the permanent etching that I'm seeing on the glass is most likely due to the powder used in between the sheets of glass during shipment. If the shipment gets wet (not surprising given the rain we've been having in the last few weeks), then the powder can get compressed onto the glass and become impossible to remove. Sounds like a reasonable explanation to me. (Of course they should've noticed this when they *made* the tanks, but oh well!)

Anyways, I definitely will inspect the glass like Sherlock Holmes when I pick up the new tanks. The downside is I have to stop the cycling process in the small tank, and I won't be able to get any fish for a while (they recommend waiting until a new shipment of glass comes in).

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upikabu

Thank you very much for your reply. You just backed up what I have been saying about glass ever since I came to FP. It would have been the water/moisture between the sheets that actually caused the problem.

The next tank look at the glass from all angles in good light just to be sure.

Also ask if there is a gurantee for the tank a good company will cover you for at least three years.

Keith.

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

The next tank look at the glass from all angles in good light just to be sure.

Will do! Both times I picked up those tanks were gloomy/rainy days so that's my lame excuse.

Also ask if there is a gurantee for the tank a good company will cover you for at least three years.

Really? All the places I've asked here in Brisbane (and I've asked quite a few) only gave me 12 months warranty max (and some even none at all).

Cheers!

Last edited by upikabu at 28-Jun-2005 01:43

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