hud316

Hi

This is my 1st post after finding this site which I am loving due to all the helpful information.

I have what look like cloudy water marks (poss hard water deposits after reading a previous post) on the inside of my tank. What would be the best way to try and get rid of them without poisoning my fish (I only have one tank). I have tried scrubbing them with a hard bristle brush but think it may need some sort of product (windowlene etc).

Sorry if this is a bit vague, but any help would be appreciated.

P.S I use stress coat and a product that removes chlorine from the water when doing any water changes

Thanks

alicem

Welcome to FishLore hud316!
Hard water stains are difficult and some never some out...
If you are not draining the tank, and your tank is glass (not acrylic), you might try using a
new single edge razor blade:
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:3...10_2_rgb_4.jpg

Try to get under the deposits and lift them by gently scraping the razor blade at an angle at the deposit stain site.
If you don't see any progress and you aren't scratching the glass, you can use a little more pressure.

Unfortunately your bristle brush may have scratched the tank more, and is definately a possiblity if the tank is acrylic.
hth,
alicem

hud316

Hi

Thanks for your response, my tank is glass and the bristle brush hasn't done any damage, I will give the razor idea a shot and see how I get on...I've attached a picture of the marks (hopefully) so this may help people decide if it is indeed a water mark





Can I add that this is only on one side of my tank which previously had a background cover on the outside of it for a number of years.

aquarist48

Hello Hud and Welcome to Fish Lore. I've read that vinegar will also help with removing water marks. I'm sure you'll get some more tips as well.

Too, if you'll go to the top right hand side of this screen and do a "search" for "removing water marks" you'll find several threads and tips there as well.
Have fun and enjoy the site.
Ken

alicem

Interesting looking stuff.
From viewing the first pict, it looks like it's on the outside especially near the corner,
but photos can give us a different perception from what's real...

I've have/had the vinyl roll type backgrounds on the outside of my tanks and some have stuck to the glass and left weird markings like that.
I guess it's because a little water has gotten between the back ground and glass and left hard water marks...

Sometimes folks use oil to help the background stick to the glass and what you see may be some residue from such an application.

Hope you are having some luck removing it.
alicem

Gouramiguy17

I had the same problem except it was with my hood where the light was shining through, re bubbles would pop and it slowly made hard water marks, I tried vinegar and my mom didn't trust me with the razor so I tried vinegar, it didn't work so my mom threw out the top and bought me a new one, lucky me!

michaelb323

An acid will combine with the lime to produce carbon dioxide, try rubbing the tank with vinegar or clean sulfuric acid if you have it. a trick I was able to use was using a pressure washer to blast the inside of the tank, if you know someone with a pressure sprayer you might give that a try as well.

it may also be very good to note that the lime will become much less visible once the tank is filled.

hud316

I've solved the problem by making a java moss wall to place at the back of my tank and hide the marks

Seen the JM wall idea on here and thought it looked superb, hopefully mine will turn out as good in real life as I see it in my head

Will post pics on my site of any progress good or bad

iloveengl

haha, that's a great solution - cool plants and none of the work of scrubbing and scraping.