Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone know of a good way to get rid of the lime deposits on the sides of the tanks that won't kill my frogs? My water is very hard. Is there a water conditioner that would help? I am sick of this stuff on the sides of my glass.

I usually use Fluker's Tank cleaner to decontaminate and then rinse well. I like the cleaner becasue it deodorizes well but does not remove the lime deposits.
What about the stuff you can use on fish aquariums? I just don't want to kill my frogs.

I use a paper towel dipped in straight white vinegar. Then dry off the glass with a dry towel. It works well and isn't toxic, although the fumes are pretty strong, so I blow a fan across the top.
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Patty
Lost River, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
3 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
4 D. leukomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos

This is also what I use. It would be best to remove the frogs for this procedure. Also, a new razor blade may be needed to get the harder stuff, watch out for the silicone corners!
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*Humans aren't the only species on earth... we just act like it.

".the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without
spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

I also do this. Except I use diluted vineagar with treated warm water, then I spray it with treated water and wipe with a paper towel. I don't know, but I know somebody here did something ,other than a softener, to their water to reduce water spots.......anyone?

I've never removed my frogs for this. I figured the stress of being caught, moved out and back might be worse for them than a few whiffs of vinegar. The fan disperses this rather quickly. I also need to do this a couple of times a week, since the problem tank is a paludarium--combination aquarium/vivarium for galacs and our well water, albeit very pure, is also very hard as it runs through a limestone aquifer. I've never noticed that the vinegar odor bothers them at all. They just continue their frog activities, one of which is to hop as close as they can get to see if I'm presenting more food. Colchicine may have a point I haven't reasoned out, however.

There's a product on the market called "Aquarium Safe" that is supposed to work, but doesn't. You are supposed to spray it on and let it sit for 3 minutes before wiping. In the meantime, it all dribbles off into the water, merely rearranging the pattern of the deposits somewhat, so after a few trials of this, I gave it up. It's also quite expensive.

If your waterway is small enough (my paludarium isn't) you could also use commercial spring water for drinking. For my smaller set-ups, I get this from WinCo or Wall Mart for about 69 to 79 cents a gallon and use it in the misters, as well. I haven't noticed any significant deposits with this.
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Patty
Lost River, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
3 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
4 D. leukomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos

My tanks only need this cleaning every month or so. At home I only have gray treefrogs, and with them, there is virtually no stress anytime with those guys! The person should be aware that vinegar is highly volatile, with noxious fumes, and that amphibians can be extrememly sensitive to this. The fan certainly can reduce any problems with intoxication, but does not eliminate the risks.
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*Humans aren't the only species on earth... we just act like it.

".the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without
spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

Thanks for the help. I clean my tanks every week since they are somewhat crowded sales tanks for my various frogs. I will definately try the vinegar tomorrow when I clean everyone. I don't know why I couldn't think of that since that is what I used on my lime-cover glass canpoies from saltwater tanks (vinegar is also great for dissolving salt deposits).

Thanks for the help. I clean my tanks every week since they are somewhat crowded sales tanks for my various frogs. I will definately try the vinegar tomorrow when I clean everyone. I don't know why I couldn't think of that since that is what I used on my lime-cover glass canpoies from saltwater tanks (vinegar is also great for dissolving salt deposits).