How to Get the White Line Off a Fresh Water Tank

That white line you see on your fish tank is actually a build up of minerals from the water you are using. This happens often in areas where the local water is hard, meaning it has a high concentration of minerals in it. Fortunately, this white line can be removed. Unfortunately, though, the longer it is left on the tank, the harder it will be to remove. It is best to clean it as soon as it becomes visible. You can clean it safely with your tank running. You do not have to tear your tank down to do so.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 gallon distilled water
  • 1-gallon bucket
  • Spray bottle
  • Permanent marker
  • Clean cloth
  • Metal scrubber
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 gallon of distilled water in a 1 gallon bucket. You can make more or less depending on how much you need as long as you keep the proportions the same. Pour this mixture into a clean spray bottle. If you have more of the mixture left, you can add it to another spray bottle or save it for refilling the spray bottle later.

    • 2

      Label the spray bottle with a permanent marker so you know that this mixture is specifically for cleaning your aquarium glass. This mixture is safe to use around your aquarium as it does not contain any chemicals that are poisonous to your fish. You can also use this cleaning mixture to clean your windows and other glass surfaces in your home.

    • 3

      Spray the mixture to moisten a clean cloth. Wipe the sides of the aquarium where you see the white line. Keep rubbing until you see the while line disappear. If the white line has been there a long time, then you may need to take a metal scrubber to scrub the mineral deposits away.

    • 4

      Clean your aquarium again whenever you see the white line start to appear.