desertrefugee

Well, suffering from a severe case of the "MTS" and having insufficient funds for a new tank in the size I was seeking (50 to 75), I finally picked up a 65g, wooden stand, and pretty much all the needed hardware. Trouble is that this tank was well-used and shows lots of hard water line build-up, dried algae residue and even some scratches (luckily in the back) from previous attempts to clean it presumably.

Last night, I actually looked a little closer at the tank last night (mistakenly purchased it at dusk) and find that the scratches on the left side, top rear are actually pretty bad. Hopefully, there won't be any additional surprises, but I'm hoping to be able to "hide" the damage after setup.

I'm pretty bummed that I missed this. Given the buildup that needs to be cleaned, I suspect I may find more scratches after or during the operation.

My "great" deal might be a dud.

A first snag in the hobby. (But I am undeterred).

btate617

A tank is a tank, they don't all have to be "show" tanks.

Something that may help hide the scratches if on the side and back of the tank would be a black back ground or other dark color. That should help some.

Also welcome to the site.

Brian

Red1313

Hehe, most of the scratches usually won't show too bad. A back-ground will help alot and if you tinker with the lighting you may have some sucess at masking them as well. Hard water buildup may come clean with just water but if not the vinager is magic at cleaning time.

Tony G.

Welcome to Fishlore

I agree, a tank is a tank. I bought a new 10g and well within a week i managed to scratch the bottom pretty badly. It still holds though
I agree with the background as well..

desertrefugee

Thanks for the tips - and the welcome.

I guess a tank really is a tank, but I intend to move the 29 from its focal spot in the family room elsewhere (not sure where yet). The 65 is to be the "replacement". The 29 and stand is almost flawless (a Goodwill score), but the 65 will need some work to get there - and then there are those scratches.

I'm not in a hurry (I don't think) for this "new" tank, so I'll take my time and get it right before launching it. Also, I think I'll try a "fishless" cycle this time. Although I should point out that my "fish-in" with the 29 was a rousing success. Every single inhabitant is still alive and happy.

Thanks again. Great site.

SWilkins

Welcome to Fish Lore. I have to agree a tank is a tank. You would be amazed what you can hide with a background, a plant here or there, and sometimes just with plain old water they just don't show up. Oh and Red is right vinegar is wonderful for cleaning!!!

Neji

Yeah I agree with you red I use vinegar all the time to clean hard water buildups around my house all the time showers, sinks, bath tubs and not really the washing machine since I have the Tide washer cleaning stuff or I use the Affresh ones in the package that I can buy at the store

desertrefugee

Hi folks. Well, I'm better about my purchase, but the good deal on the tank has been largely offset by the Eheim 2215, Fluval 4 and a few other odds n ends.

It's funny how early troubles can literally be washed away by the addition of a little water and aquascaping.

By the way, I used automotive rubbing compound (from a tip elsewhere on this board) and it worked fabulously in getting those stubborn hardwater deposits off. Highly recommended! I still have some scratches, but they are not at all obvious. (Only I know they're there).

Here's a quick look. A handful of danios and a couple of mollies are starting things up in anticipation of a species tank with New World cichlids.

I'm taking it slowly and enjoying this one.

Attached Images

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