Cleaning off hard water build up

[Cheapeeper]

I was just given a 20 gallon long. It came all crusted with what she says is hard water build up on the top 3/4 of the tank. Will simple vinegar and hot water take this off?
There is also a green colored slime in the middle from where she took out the water and just left the rocks sit in the tank for a year. Will the vinegar and hot water take this off too?
I really want this tank but it needs some cleaning. I'm just looking for some suggestion on how to get this build up off.

 

[Arachnar]

You can try first and come back to us. I had to do that with a 30 gallon and a ten gallon, I can't say it help that much but some of the hard water stains are invisible in water, but not always.

I actually used CLR once on a ten gallon a year ago, can't say that's wise but i did it.

 

[duke33]

Vinegar, plastic scrubbie and elbow grease. If you do clr rinse 100 times and let air dry.

 

[jjdsplace]

if you have the tank i would just have a go with hot water and a razor or utility blade if this doesnt work then try the vinegar

 

[DucatiDragster]

razor blade has always worked for me

 

[south coast nelly]

yep,i got a tank that was caked in white crust, all inside every panel top to bottom, i used hottish water and a sharp knife, worked a treat but a razor could well be better but watch ya fingers

 

[navygirl76]

Vinegar and a straight razor always works.

 

[crisper]

A razor and water works well. Just be carefull not to cut into the silicone seams.

 

[Rawimpact]

I tried cleaning mine with vinegar, but it was really hard (both on the back) and inefficient. I used one of those scooci steam cleaners, and it worked miracles!

 

[Cheapeeper]

I'm not trying a razor until i give up hope on everything else. I'll land my ass in the hospital for sure, I just know it. I'm gonna try the vinegar and a soft scrubby if all else fails i will try the razor at last resort. Thanks everyone.