Of course the safest way is no chemicals. If one of the soft scrubbers, as talked about below, don't work for you, you can try using a single-edged razor blade, but be careful not to get the blade too close to the sealant at the edges of the glass or you could damage it.
This pages has been archived 1 time. You can view older posts and feedback below.
Request: Cleaning a Fish Tank (06/26/2009)
What is the best thing to use to clean a dirty glass fish tank that has been sitting for sometime and won't hurt any fish put in it afterwards?
Post Feedback:
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
Archives:
Request: Cleaning a Fish Tank
Archived on 06/26/2009
What is the best thing to use to clean a dirty glass fish tank that has been sitting for sometime and won't hurt any fish put in it afterwards?
Thanks, LilHoneyBrat
Feedback:
RE: Cleaning a Fish Tank
Use hot water and a no scratch pad, like the ones you use on pots and pans. I buy the generic three or four packs and cut them in half. Don't use any soaps or cleaners. They can leave residue.
(07/11/2005)
Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are two good disinfecting agents that are safe for pets. Spray it on and let it sit for 20 minutes or longer. Be sure to rinse very well and let dry in the sun if you can.
You can buy "scratch pads" specifically for aquariums and that would be the safest to use on the glass. ($3 @ Walmart) I'm a little unsure if one made for dishes really is free of soap residue. Some aren't.
coolchinchilla (07/11/2005)
We have two 55 gallon fish tanks and when we do our annual cleaning we use baking soda. We soak the rocks/pebbles in it and scrub the entire tank with the baking soda and water solution. Rinse well and it doesn't hurt the fish.
Pam from Minnesota (07/12/2005)
Salt is an excellent cleaner, use a nylon scrubbie and wet salt and all the glass is clean, it also works well on the rocks, landscape items, and plastic light covers. (07/17/2005)