Cleaning the outside of the tank?

[john m_ lundberg]

What do you all use to clean the outside of the tank? I have just a terrycloth stored under the stand, but it just seems to smear the water creating a haze look?

Before I go doing something dumb, I figured I should ask...I tried water and a paper towel, but it seemed to make it worse...any tricks of the trade?

 

[cr500_af]

I used RO water and about 25% vinegar in a spray bottle. Any tiny amount that might mist over the tank is bo big deal; it'll just drop pH a tiny bit. I'm careful with the spray so no effect. Just wiping off SW residue, like you said, just smears it. The vinegar works great. Some company makes wipes for this use, and they might be great but they're awfully expensive for something so simple.

 

[elfloyd]

I use alcohol to clean my eye glasses. It evaporates very quickly and leaves no residue. Thinking about using it to clean the outside of my tank. Any thoughts on this?

 

[john m_ lundberg]

cr500_af;373216 wrote: I used RO water and about 25% vinegar in a spray bottle. Any tiny amount that might mist over the tank is bo big deal; it'll just drop pH a tiny bit. I'm careful with the spray so no effect. Just wiping off SW residue, like you said, just smears it. The vinegar works great. Some company makes wipes for this use, and they might be great but they're awfully expensive for something so simple.

That worked great! Thanks!

 

[dakota9]

Actually, you can wipe the outside with glass cleaner, or just plain water, let it haze, and then wipe the haze off with a clean towel.

 

[wayb]

I use windex wipes.
Wayne

 

[drnecropolis]

dawgdude;373226 wrote: RO in a spray bottle and a squeegee. I lay a towel at the bottom rim to catch the water and its perfect every time.

Same here

 

[mopar9012]

for the top where i get the salt creep I just get some windex and spray a lot on there and wipe it off...only about half the bottle gets in water...SPS corals love it, makes them turn white!

 

[weaglereefer]

I use Stoner's Invisible Glass. In a separate room I spray on a lint free cloth then clean the tank glass and bottom trim. Top trim I wipe down with a separate lint free cloth, no cleaner.

Invisible Glass is ammonia free and used for automotive windows with non-factory tint.

Leaves a nice clear streak-free finish!

 

[mapleredta]

mopar9012;374286 wrote: for the top where i get the salt creep I just get some windex and spray a lot on there and wipe it off...only about half the bottle gets in water...SPS corals love it, makes them turn white!

:lol2lease, nobody try this. (you never know anymore)

 

[mopar9012]

mapleredta;374310 wrote: :lol2lease, nobody try this. (you never know anymore)

hahaha

 

[texhorns98]

I use Glass Pluss probably once a week. Otherwise, try a newspaper misted with a little water. No streaks!!

 

[acroholic]

I use Windex vineger formula cleaner and paper towels. Spray any window cleaner on the towel first then wipe. Never spray directly on the tank or near any air inlet, like an air pump or the venturi of a protein skimmer.
Dave

 

[acroholic]

ares;374359 wrote: whats in the vinegar formula? I tried to find it, but couldnt... it didnt say there wasnt ammonia in it... that I could find. might seem obvious, but yeah... their recipe is a secret it seems.

Outside of vinegar, I don't know, but it streaks a LOT less than their blue formula.
Dave

 

[mopar9012]

spit...