Cleaning used acrylic tank

[Johnd651]

So the weather finally held up long enough for me to start cleaning the used acrylic tank. Over all it cleaned up well. The only thing is the coralline on the back panel. I tried vinegar, hot water, scraping and there's still a little holding on. Is it OK to leave? I do still need to polish up the viewing panes, but now it's in the house so that will be easier.

 

[Fish Fan]

You may remember, I'm also in Upstate New York, and we have had the worst spring this year. Nothing but rain and cold weather, and I haven't been able to do much outside this year either.

Did you try filling the tank, adding a weak acid like vinager or citric acid, and letting it sit overnight? Given enough time, an acid should break down that old coralline.

Good luck!

 

[PPBlimpy]

I cleaned and polished my glass inside and lightly scraped but left most the dead coraline on the back.

I upgraded 2 months ago from a 125 to this acrylic 300 and already have coraline regrowing where the dead stuff was. was pleasantly surprised

 

[Johnd651]

You may remember, I'm also in Upstate New York, and we have had the worst spring this year. Nothing but rain and cold weather, and I haven't been able to do much outside this year either.

Did you try filling the tank, adding a weak acid like vinager or citric acid, and letting it sit overnight? Given enough time, an acid should break down that old coralline.

Good luck!

Lol..I do remember, a fellow gluten for punishment.

I tried soaking in straight vinegar and plastic paint scraper. I lot did come off. My final thought was to set everything up and fill with garden hose and citric acid. Circulate. Drain.

But I don't want to have to rinse with that much rodi though

 

[Johnd651]

I cleaned and polished my glass inside and lightly scraped but left most the dead coraline on the back.

I upgraded 2 months ago from a 125 to this acrylic 300 and already have coraline regrowing where the dead stuff was. was pleasantly surprised

Nice, glad to hear that it won't be a major issue.

 

[W31Olds]

I would lay it on it's back with a slight tilt and put full strength cleaning vinegar in it and let it soak for 24 hours and use a spray bottle to keep areas wet with same vinegar. I have never rinsed tanks with RODI water. Not necessary and never had a problem.

 

[Troylee]

Lol..I do remember, a fellow gluten for punishment.

I tried soaking in straight vinegar and plastic paint scraper. I lot did come off. My final thought was to set everything up and fill with garden hose and citric acid. Circulate. Drain.

But I don't want to have to rinse with that much rodi though

Do just that! It should break down in 24 hours or so with citric acid and then use a plastic scraper to finish it off.. drain it and rinse it with tap water then filler up and rock and roll!

 

[Johnd651]

Any issues with tap water rinse?

 

[PPBlimpy]

Any issues with tap water rinse?

no issues

 

[Troylee]

Any issues with tap water rinse?

Nope!

 

[Johnd651]

Alright... how much citric acid for 160 gallons of water?

Based on what I have read it looks like 40lbs or 8 gallons.

 

[Troylee]

I dumped one of these 12 oz packages in a 120 and it did its job over night easily!

 

[Johnd651]

I dumped one of these 12 oz packages in a 120 and it did its job over night easily!

That makes me feel better, cause for a second there I thought I would be mixing up a tank of lemonade instead of salt water.

 

[Johnd651]

Here's some videos.

Before


During


After

 

[Johnd651]

Should have enough to clean equipment and other stuff into the future with 5lbs.