to clean out a 120 gallon tank? I plan on filling it up with vinegar and water letting it circulate for a few hours.
How much vinegar do i need
- Thread starter york1
- Start date
1-2 gallon is sufficient. the more the faster the vinegar works on the tank. but 1-2 gal is sufficent
Is the tank glass or acrylic?
glass
Your best bet is to use new razor blades and clean the glass with those taking care to avoid the silicone seams. Then vacuum out the dust & debris. Any residue left on the glass will come clean pouring straight vinegar on a rag with a little elbow grease.
Ok but the worst is on the plastic walls of the overflows. Should i just spray them down with vinegar?
Yes, using vinegar full strength is fine. Just wash off completely when done.
FWIW-
If you find that vinegar won't clean off what may appear to be etched glass and/or is insoluble, try using some 5% citric acid (by weight). Be patient, & give it time.
You can buy it here and make it yourself. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes & use rubber gloves. Rinse off thoroughly after use.
Citric acid has a unique ability to dissolve calcium salts, far better than vinegar, muratic or any other acid you will find.
FWIW-
If you find that vinegar won't clean off what may appear to be etched glass and/or is insoluble, try using some 5% citric acid (by weight). Be patient, & give it time.
You can buy it here and make it yourself. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes & use rubber gloves. Rinse off thoroughly after use.
Citric acid has a unique ability to dissolve calcium salts, far better than vinegar, muratic or any other acid you will find.
On the acrylic overflows try this. Put a couple towels down on the floor or table and lay the tank on it's back side. Then lay vinegar soaked rags on the overflows. You can pour a little extra down occasionally too. After 15-20 minutes the vinegar will have loosened up a good bit of the coraline which can be gentally scraped off with the plastic scraper. Repeat till you're satisfied.
On a side note I'm planning on getting some citric acid linked above to do this as well as to clean pumps & heaters.
On a side note I'm planning on getting some citric acid linked above to do this as well as to clean pumps & heaters.
Ok thanks for the info. I do have some citric acid I could mix into a spray bottle. I should be all set.
