Fish tank hard water stains

Question

My dad has owned and bred fish for years (before i was born), and he thinks that hard water deposits on the inside of the glass means its time to get a new tank. Is he right? The stains are white and all around the tank in a ring.

He said hard water caused it, but is it removable. He says he tried soap but it killed his fishes. I heard of using vinegar. If vinegar is the solution does any brand/kind matter? Also, how should i go about cleaning it with vinegar? Is it ok if i use it and it falls in the water (fishes inside)? Is it also ok if I use it IN the water?

Is there another way, or is it really time to buy another semi-expensive 55 gallon tank?

Answer 1

If you still have fish in the tank you cannot clean it and have it be removed.  If the tank is empty and not housing fish, you can use a vinegar and salt mix, a lemon and salt mix or even CLR.

As long as fish are in it, only elbow greese will work.

Using vinegar will change the PH in the tank.  No don't use it if the fish are in the tank.

A razor may help

Answer 2

You'll need to remove fish first. White vinegar will remove the white hard water deposits. The problem lies in that hard water deposits etch the glass. While you can remove the hard water lime deposits the tank will have a etch glass look around the top.

Also a good way to clean filter housings and hoods is to soak in a bucket of water with a cup of vinegar for a few hours. They come out looking almost new

Answer 3

No it is not time for a new tank.

Yes, soap will kill the fish so dont use it.

Not sure about the vinigar but wouldnt recommend trying it.

My hard water deposits just came off by rubbing it off while running tap water over it.

Another option is to buy special whipes made for hard water deposits. I got a sample with my aquarium but have never used them. Theyre called :  tetra clean aquarium whipes. Just buy them at petco or your local fish store.

Good Luck