How to Clean Water Deposits From a Fish Aquarium

Every aquarist faces the ugly problem of trying to clean hard water deposits off of aquarium glass. It can happen when a tank sits too long between water changes, or if the water in your area is particularly hard or calcium-laden. Luckily, there are a few cleaning techniques that can help get rid of those unsightly marks.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinegar
  • Razor blade
  • Scrub brush or clean tooth brush
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a vinegar cleaning solution by mixing half a cup of white vinegar with half a cup of water in a clean spray bottle. Do not reuse a bottle that has had any other chemicals in it.

    • 2

      Clean the exterior glass by spraying the vinegar mixture onto some paper towels, and wiping down. For very stubborn exterior deposits, cover the tank with plastic wrap to prevent overspray, and liberally spray the vinegar cleaner onto the glass. Allow to sit for five minutes, and wipe clean.

    • 3

      Remove hard water and calcium deposits inside the tank by first scraping as much residue off as you can with a razor blade. Wipe the scraped-off residue away with a paper towel as you go.

    • 4

      Dampen a piece of paper towel with the vinegar cleaner, and wipe the inside glass above the waterline to moisten the water deposits. Allow the vinegar solution to sit for five to ten minutes.

    • 5

      Dip a tooth brush or scrub brush into the vinegar solution, and shake off excess. Lightly scrub the inside glass above the waterline to break away the hard water deposits in the aquarium.

    • 6

      Wipe the inside glass with a clean paper towel and fresh water to remove vinegar residue and dirt.