Water spots that vinegar and razor won’t remove?

dakotap · Mar 6, 2021

I am getting back into the hobby after being out for about 5 yr. I picked up a used Waterbox 20 today. It was taken down after a tank crash back in August. I started cleaning it up when I got home, I cleaned it with vinegar and a razor and am still not able to remove these water spots, while it did clean up, there are these marks that look like someone wiped it with a wet towel and left it. I can’t get it off and it’s driving me crazy. What can I do? Muriatic acid and a sponge and rinse? I haven’t added water yet except outside to clean it. Maybe these won’t be as noticeable when it’s filled up. I have scrubbed and scraped to no avail.

Peace River · Mar 6, 2021

You may want to research the product "Bar Keepers Friend" if the water spots are on the outside of the tank. Good luck!

PeterC99 · Mar 6, 2021

I had exact same issue with my RedSea Reefer 425XL. No matter what I did (and I tried everything), nothing removed it. Finally gave up and filled with saltwater. Never saw the water spots (lines) again.

JumboShrimp · Mar 6, 2021

I was just going to say, “Bar Keepers Friend” (Walmart/Amazon, etc), but someone beat me to it. Make a paste. As to your second point, what remains will probably be much less noticeable when filled, and over time. Best wishes!