How to Remove Water Stains & Lime Deposits From an Aquarium

Over time, hard water stains and lime deposits can build up on aquarium glass and cause an unsightly film across the surface. While frequently wiping the glass down can help prevent these from developing in the first place, once they are formed there is a simple solution that can be used to restore your aquarium glass to its original clean and sparkling shine. Best of all, the cleaner is safe, affordable and oftentimes already available in your home: white vinegar.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle
  • Sponge
  • Vinegar
  • Razor blade
  • Scrub brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a simple solution of one part household white vinegar and one part distilled water in a clean plastic spray bottle (spray bottles are often available at discount stores or in the cleaning section of most large department stores).

    • 2

      Drain the tank, if possible. While a small amount of vinegar in the water will not have much adverse affect on your fish or livestock, the process is much simpler if you do not need to worry about dripping or spilling vinegar into the tank. If you cannot drain the tank entirely, drop the water level down below the worst of the hard water deposits, and use your free hand to catch drips with a paper towel while the other hand scrubs.

    • 3

      Scrape off as much of the hard, caked debris as possible using a new single-edged razor blade. Work slowly to avoid slipping and cutting yourself.

    • 4

      Spray just enough of the vinegar solution to dampen a clean sponge or scrub brush, and carefully wipe down the lime and hard water deposits. Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the stains for five minutes.

    • 5

      Rub the dirty areas with the scrub brush until they come clean, using the razor blade as needed to scrape particularly hard spots.

    • 6

      Wipe the glass with a clean, lint-free rag dipped in plain distilled water to remove vinegar residue, and fill the tank back up.