Help! How can I clean this tank?

[jlos1213@comcast.net]

I was given a 55 gallon tank w/wood stand. Very nice...however the previous owner stored it in his garage for 2 years and had never cleaned it. It was really nasty covered with salt and filth. I scraped the salt off with a razor blade and scrubbed with an algae scraper. It came out decent...but there's still a film about half way up all around the tank. I can't seem to get it off. Could be mineral deposit. Not sure. Does anyone know how I can get that off so the glass is clear again or is this just a hopeless case. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[b_tenant]

I've heard of people having luck with vinegar and water solution. Vinegar is a mild acid so let it soak for a bit and see if the stuff will scrub off.

 

[uncwnells]

cut a lemon in half and and then pour salt on it, take the lemon and scrub with it.

 

[Cholly]

White vinegar and a never-seen-soap green scrubby. If it's really stubborn(and it sounds like it is) lay it on it's side, cover the side with paper towels and drench them with vinegar straight from the bottle. Let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes and then go after it with the green scrubby. Do it outside or you will regret it.
You can get the cheap house brand grocery store vinegar, I keep a half gallon of the stuff on hand because it's cheap, it works, and if there's any left, it doesn't kill fish. Smells awful though.

 

[jlos1213@comcast.net]

Thanks....I'll give it a try.

 

[siebertn]

coke or vinegar and baking soda

 

[JK47]

Hey man, I have not seen anyone else comment about the amount of time this tank sat in storage so I will. If silicone sits for long periods of time it can and does becomes weak/brittle and can run the risk of leaking or coming apart. Have you leak tested it?

My last 55 had the same issue so I resealed it just to be saffe, I would recomend this as well once you get the salt residue off. Vineger is your best bet IMO. That's what I use and it works great opn glass tanks.