Glass cleaning question for tank previously SW

[Cookie*]

Ok, so I thought I got lucky when getting a 90 gallon SW tank free, I still think I got lucky. But, there was red algae all over 3 sides and some on the front glass. I scraped all of it off (the thick stuff), and then tried removing the millimeter thick film left on the glass by soaking the front of the tank in a vinegar/water solution. I also would scrub it down every few hours with a plastic scrubber. The front glass has now been soaking in the solution for 3 days and nothing is changing, the mineral deposits are still on the glass. I don't see a bleach solution doing anything different from the vinegar solution. I'm not so concerned about the back and sides, it was a free tank, but I want the front very clear.

Should I try and sell the tank to someone who wants a SW or reptile tank? Or should I try a chemical solution (CLR or some other alternative) with tons of rinsing after, or what would you recommend doing? I really like the homemade high-output light/canopy that came with the tank too. If I sold the tank, I'd be selling the tank alone, as I'd want to replace it with a 90 gallon with the same dimensions so I could use the canopy/light. What is a good/fair asking price for the tank, given what I've told you about the glass. The tank is 1/2" glass and drilled with a large overflow as well.

I've tried finding prices on a 90 gallon new, online, but haven't had any luck. Anyone got a idea?

Thanks for any insight.

 

[David K. Bradley]

Ok, so I thought I got lucky when getting a 90 gallon SW tank free, I still think I got lucky. But, there was red algae all over 3 sides and some on the front glass. I scraped all of it off (the thick stuff), and then tried removing the millimeter thick film left on the glass by soaking the front of the tank in a vinegar/water solution. I also would scrub it down every few hours with a plastic scrubber. The front glass has now been soaking in the solution for 3 days and nothing is changing, the mineral deposits are still on the glass. I don't see a bleach solution doing anything different from the vinegar solution. I'm not so concerned about the back and sides, it was a free tank, but I want the front very clear.

Should I try and sell the tank to someone who wants a SW or reptile tank? Or should I try a chemical solution (CLR or some other alternative) with tons of rinsing after, or what would you recommend doing? I really like the homemade high-output light/canopy that came with the tank too. If I sold the tank, I'd be selling the tank alone, as I'd want to replace it with a 90 gallon with the same dimensions so I could use the canopy/light. What is a good/fair asking price for the tank, given what I've told you about the glass. The tank is 1/2" glass and drilled with a large overflow as well.

I've tried finding prices on a 90 gallon new, online, but haven't had any luck. Anyone got a idea?

Thanks for any insight.

Cookie*420:

If you can find the Indy Guy's (Mike Duggan or Pharoah) they helped me with a water stain which I had in the past. They recommended using a mixed water solution of water and sulfuric acid to remove the hard water stain left on my tank, similar to your situation. It worked great for me but I do not remember what the sulfuric acid to water mixture is. You need to contact one of the Indy Guys and ask them.

If you want to sell your 90 gallon instead of keeping it and working out the hard water marks, I would suggest selling it as it is now, at $.80 to $1.00 per gallon. That is my recommendation for a used sale price, but the final choice is up to you. If you got your 90 gal. for free, I would suggest you hold on to it. If you can't find a new 90 gal. on line in your area, maybe that's an omen for you. Hang on to it. I would.

~ David

Edit: I would not use CLR on any aquarium tank (inside or out) for any reason. Just my preferrence.

 

[David K. Bradley]

Cookie*420:

Your Points of Contact for the Indy Guy's are Pharoah and Mike Dunagan not Mike Duggan.

(Mike: Sorry for the misspelled last name.)

 

[Cookie*]

Thank you so much David. I have read about sulfuric acid solutions as a last resort, and I'm at the last resort. But I also wanted to hear from people who have done it and kept fish in the tank after, and it appears it's not a problem with proper cleaning. I would prefer holding onto the tank, so I will pm Pharoah or Mike Dunagan to ask for their special brew. I really appreciate the response, Dave, that helps tremendously.

Dave aka Cookie

From Mike Dunagan- "I recommend CLR. Then rinse, bleach, rinse, vinegar, rinse..... Be sure to get everything cleaned out as best as possible. I have also used straight Vinegar."

 

[rhodes_96]

Grab a sprayer bottle. 1 pat HCL (hydrochloric acid) to 10 parts water.
Spray on leave for 30 secs wipe of with damp cloth. You can agitate the glass surface with a brush and the acid on it to help break up residue if it is thick.

No need to do heavy rinsing, Just rinse normally.