How To Remove Ammonia Stains (I Think?)

[FishHelper101]

Hey everyone very long time, no see! Anyway I currently do not own any fish anymore, they all had passed away a year ago But my interest has sparked once again for fish keeping and I think I'm ready for another go! The first question I have (please forgive me if I sound too novice but it's been a year) How do you remove the ammonia stains from filters and heaters? There's white almost crust on the ledge of my old 10 gal's filter. I'm wondering if  those are ammonia stains first off, second can they be removed, and third, if they can't will I have to buy a new filter/heater? Thanks in advance!

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I think you are describing the  sort of mineral/salty residue left by the water.  My tanks gets that too.  You can prevent them by wiping everything during water changes.  But once there, it takes a lot of elbow grease to get rid of it.  (I don't always bother cleaning mine away).  I just keep scrubbing with a regular dish washing sponge until it comes off... some other people have used blades to scrape it off, I never trusted myself to not scratch the glass that way.  You could use a water and vinegar solution to help you clean it away.

 

[FishHelper101]

I think you are describing the  sort of mineral/salty residue left by the water.  My tanks gets that too.  You can prevent them by wiping everything during water changes.  But once there, it takes a lot of elbow grease to get rid of it.  (I don't always bother cleaning mine away).  I just keep scrubbing with a regular dish washing sponge until it comes off... some other people have used blades to scrape it off, I never trusted myself to not scratch the glass that way.  You could use a water and vinegar solution to help you clean it away.

Oh okay yeah probably, It's like hard water stains. I'll try the water & vinegar solution. Question with that, using the solution won't cause an error or anything if I plan to restart the NC in this tank will it?

 

[PrairieSunflower]

It shouldn't just make sure you have thoroughly rinsed the tank before setting it up.

 

[FishHelper101]

Okay, thanks for the help! ^-^

 

[sawickib]

Another way to get rid of it is soak it in white vinegar or at least vinegar on a rag and wipe it, or use a razor after it soaked, or a razor with water haha hope thats not to confusing. 

 

[TrickySpot]

2nd for the vinegar, I have some in a spray bottle and do all exposed areas when cleaning...even if some goes into the water, its not harmful in small amounts, only when it would cause a pH swing.