Removing Coralline

[GMGQ]

I agree. Soak the area with white vinegar, then wipe it away with a cloth/paper towel/sponge/etc. Anything that's soft and wont cause scratches.

After soaking it, it will wipe right off. It's the same trick as cleaning other equipment that's covered in coraline. Stuff just comes right off after soaking it in vinegar (I usually do half water half vinegar).

Originally Posted by Ruth

I have 3 acrylic tanks (2 X 20g and 1 X 190g) and IME they scratch very very easily so be very careful. I would not use the magnet cleaner if I was you. It is too easy for a little piece of "something" to get stuck under the magnet and scratch your tank. I have used just the acrylic scrapers to get coralline off with no scratches but you do have to be careful. Soaking the tank with vinegar before it is filled with water should allow you to just about wipe the encrusted coralline off with a soft cloth - or use an acrylic scraper lightly.

[chwkreefer]

How about using some diluted muriatic acid? I always use it to clean up PH's, pumps . . anything covered with coralline. This summer I took my acrylic sump out which was covered in coralline. I used the muriatic on it and it cleaned up fast and easy. I just find vinegar takes way too long for me. Vinegar is a much milder acid compared to muriatic acid.

A person just has to be careful when working with such strong chemicals(ie.. gloves, goggles, and access to fresh water) and make sure to do it in a well ventilated area, preferably outside. But it will make short work of the job of cleaning the tank. It will soften the algae within minutes and then just take a hose and careful rinse it out.

Muriatic acid is used for swimming pools, etching concrete and a host of other uses. A gallon costs about $12 or so.

A razor blade on an acrylic tank is probably not a very good idea and you would run the risk of scratching up the plastic very easily.

Bill