Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have just aquired a 55 gal glass aquarium. I have had many glass tanks in the past that I have just scrubbed off the calcium buildup off of the glass to some success. But this is kind of bad and i want to get it all off without damaging the glass. I don't care how abrasive it may be to animals because i will clean it like 10 times before i put anything in it. I just want it off. It was used for a saltwter setup previously and the owner let half of the water evaporate so you could imagine what it looks like. it's just that I have gotten this great tank for free and it would be a shame to waste it. Any tips / tricks would be kindly appreciated.

thanks,
Andy

For really bad mineral deposits I have turned the tank on its side put a few layers of paper towels on the area affected then pour white vinegar straight from the bottle on the paper towels.Be sure to thoroughly saturate them. Leave them on overnight. If the deposits have not disolved you may have to repeat the process.
Be sure to completely wash and "air out" the tank before you use it.

This process usually works if the glass has not been "etched" by the deposits
Good luck

I thoroughly concur! Using vinegar should get them off.