Lime film on glass

[docjmd1]

Any ideas on how to remove a lime film on the inside glass of an already filled previously used aquarium? Manual scraping has so far proven unsuccessful.

 

[ChrisRD]

Assuming the tank is empty at present - distilled white vinegar.

 

[ChrisRD]

BTW, :welcome:

 

[Anonymous]

And a razor blade!

 

[Juck]

If these really are mineral deposits on the surface of the glass then a new razor blade should remove them fairly easily.

If the surface of the glass has been etched by prolonged exposure to an alkaline liquid like saltwater, then you can scrape it with a razor blade all day long and you won't get rid of it,,, there is also no chemical way to remove this thin layer of 'sick' glass. Denture cleaner, bleach, vinegar, soap,,,,you name it,,, nothing will work.

The chemical decay of the glass is generally only to a depth of a few molecules and the only way to remove it is to manually polish the glass with some kind of fine compound (6000 grit or higher) ,,, but it simply wouldn't be worth the effort on something as large as a glass aquarium.

 

[danmhippo]

There are winshield cleaner that has micronized silicate in it that you could try. The original purpose is to polish away the road film/deposit on the winshield, so your wiper can do their work.

The stuff you have to put it on and polish it with coarse sponge, then wash away. Some toothpaste with baking soda has the same effect too.

 

[Juck]

Most toothpastes have a fairly low grit rating (1200 or so) and could leave nasty swirl marks in glass.