Coralline problem

[barnaclejoe]

In the marine aquatic world coralline is a thing of beauty, but with many freshwater enthusiast it can be a problem. What is out there that will help me remove it without scratching the tank walls?

 

[Adam]

Is the tank empty or full, with life?

 

[barnaclejoe]

It’s empty

 

[jcook54]

I like to use a stiff bristle nylon brush to knock everything loose off the sides and shop vac all of that stuff out. Then fill it with water and add citric acid. It takes a lot more citric acid than you'd think but it'll pretty much dissolve it all away. What's left can easily be removed with light scraping. The final step is to take a magic eraser (unscented) and wipe all surfaces to remove whatever haze might be left. I know @Adam has been doing this a lot recently and he might have a bit more info but that's the route I've gone in the past.

 

[barnaclejoe]

I like to use a stiff bristle nylon brush to knock everything loose off the sides and shop vac all of that stuff out. Then fill it with water and add citric acid. It takes a lot more citric acid than you'd think but it'll pretty much dissolve it all away. What's left can easily be removed with light scraping. The final step is to take a magic eraser (unscented) and wipe all surfaces to remove whatever haze might be left. I know @Adam has been doing this a lot recently and he might have a bit more info but that's the route I've gone in the past.

Thanks

 

[Adam]

That pretty much covers it.

If you only add a couple gallons of water to the tank and then add some citric acid you won't need as much. Then with gloves on wipe the surfaces down with a rag.

You can also use a razor blade on the glass to get the stubborn stuff off. Just take care around the silicone. Obviously don't do that if it's an acrylic tank.

 

[ActiveAngel]

Yup! Citric acid is better (or vinegar). And it will help to just let it sit and soak in.