Hard Water Stains

[FishySarah]

Well, I was looking at my 55 gallon aquarium and the upper two or three inches of the tank is so covered with hard water stains that I cannot see through the glass at all. It is just a whitish cloudy stain that you can't see through. It looks really terrible.

Is there anything that can be done about this? Will scrubbing remove it? I know you need a special cleaner to remove it from an empty tank, is there anything at all that can be done with a tank that is in use? Anything you can put in the water? I would be VERY grateful if anyone can help me out, I can't see my fish.

 

[england]

Unfortunatly with hard water we suffer this problem, best of cleaning regular not letting it build up, however to remove,be very careful but get a razor blade or stanley blade and scrape gently until it all peels/flakes away..be very careful with you fingers,i inherited a tank which was caked in the stuff,after a while i got it looking as good as new,with this and hot<not boiling> water which i used a new flannel and held it on the scale for a while,seemed to soften it abit

 

[Twinklecaz]

I removed mine just today (inside stains) with a common algae scraper!

 

[england]

yes sometimes this works, but be carefull,it can scratch even glass,but if you have plastic DO NOT TRY THAT,Even with the razor blade,would ruin the plastic, didnt think to ask if glass or plastic?

 

[Twinklecaz]

Mine's glass (I know you meant Sarah - lol)

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Do not try Calgon!

 

[FishySarah]

Someone on the other forum suggested lowering the water level and using vinegar to remove the stains. He said I should take a paper towel, put vinegar on it, squeeze it dry, and then find a way to hold it there for 30 seconds, then wipe it clean.

Is it safe to do this with the fish still in, if I am careful not to let any drip?