Cleaning my tank out

[Gremi16]

Hey everyone. So, the time has come to clean out the 75G of all saltwater and mineral buildup for my discus. I was looking for some tips for clean up. I’ve seen many videos about white vinegar. What do you all think of this method? Will it effect the silicone or is it all okay?

Thanks.

[Willie]

Vinegar alone is usually the most effective and has the advantage of having absolutely zero toxicity. For heavy mineral buildup, I've used Bartender's Helper, which is available through Amazon and most hardware shops. The problem you may run into is that minerals etch glass, so you'll never get the original clarity back. Neither of these effect silicone.

[Gremi16]

Vinegar alone is usually the most effective and has the advantage of having absolutely zero toxicity. For heavy mineral buildup, I've used Bartender's Helper, which is available through Amazon and most hardware shops. The problem you may run into is that minerals etch glass, so you'll never get the original clarity back. Neither of these effect silicone.

I don’t know how thick the mineral buildup is. I just know there will be buildup after years of saltwater running

[brewmaster15]

I agree with Willie. White vinegar is your best option here. Luckily even if some salt and mineral residue remains after the vinegar... it will not harm your discus and will most likely dissolve back into solution with water changes and be removed over time.

Hth,
Al

[Gremi16]

I agree with Willie. White vinegar is your best option here. Luckily even if some salt and mineral residue remains after the vinegar... it will not harm your discus and will most likely dissolve back into solution with water changes and be removed over time.

Hth,
Al

Great! Thanks Al! WV has been ordered. Got all the water and sand out. Next up, give it a good cleaning and then replace the plumbing…I want start all fresh.

[Gremi16]

Thanks Willie

[CliffsDiscus]

Try some Limeaway.

[pitdogg2]

Try some Limeaway.

Agree I've also used it on my glass lids while fish were in tank. Rinse well and all is good.
Of course I did it in the bathtub not over the aquarium 😅