How to Clean a Plexiglass Aquarium

Plexiglas aquariums offer several advantages over glass ones. They're much lighter, harder to break, a bit clearer unless they become scratched and can be formed with a single continuous piece. You will need special equipment to clean Plexiglas because of how easily it scratches, but once you have the equipment, the cleaning is straightforward. Any aquarium-cleaning equipment that is labeled for acrylic or other plastic material can be used, because Plexiglas is a brand of acrylic.

Things You'll Need

  • Distilled water (for hard water stains) Filter floss Solution of one part vinegar, two parts water Plastic razor blades (made especially for acrylic tanks) Magnetic scrubber with acrylic-safe pads
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the aquarium with distilled water to help loosen any deposits. Soak the entire aquarium in distilled water if necessary.

    • 2

      Scrub the aquarium gently with filter floss. Scrub your vinegar solution into any spots that are difficult to remove.

    • 3

      Scrape deposits off the acrylic with the plastic razor blades.

    • 4

      Switch to soaking the aquarium in vinegar solution if stubborn mineral deposits remain after soaking in distilled water. Check on the deposits every hour to see if they've loosened. Scrub and scrape the last of the stubborn deposits with your filter floss and plastic blades.

    • 5

      Wash and rinse your aquarium out thoroughly with clean water before using.

    • 6

      Maintain your clean aquarium with your magnetic scrubber once the aquarium is in use.