Calcium Build Up On Tank Lights?

Question

i need a good way to remove calcium spots and buildup (the white spots) on the outside of my tank. i have no problem with it on the filters, that's easier to get off, but the drips on the hood and the buildup on the back of the lights will not come off.
i've tried windex on the parts i know will not come in contact with the water and i've tried just scrubbing with sponges, but as soon as it dries the white spots are back.
if anyone has a good way to clean these off i'd like to know. it just takes away from the look of the tank with all the buildup on it.

Okiimiru · Accepted Answer

Calcium buildups will come off with acid.  Since we're dealing with an aquarium that has live fish in it, you can't use a commercial cleaner because there are some preservatives and side chemicals in there that will kill aquatic life.  Vinegar is therefore a better cleaner than the commercial products because you can feel safe that after a few rinses, it will all come off and won't leave any residue that might hurt the fish.  Make sure the material that has a calcium buildup on it isn't an electrical connection but is just a bit of plastic.  Then you should be okay soaking it in vinegar.  The calcium deposit should bubble away.  

If the vinegar isn't a strong enough acid, then my friend the chemist says to go to your local hardware store and pick up maleonic acid.  Maleonic acid is a very dilute form of hydrochloric acid and will rinse off without leaving any residue that will harm the fish.  
The reason why you should start with vinegar and then work your way up to maleonic acid is that the maleonic might eat through the fixture.... So you want to try vinegar first.  
Good luck  :)

LAPTOPER · Answer

Hi!

I have had this exact same problem. Unfortunately, there is no way to get every "stain" off in a way that is safe for your fish.

However, there is a way to get some of it off! Use vinegar (an acid) to remove the buildup. Scrub with the vinegar on it, and rinse it off really good with warm water. My friend and I did this to an entire aquarium, and after good rinsing, it did not affect the fish at all!

Best of luck!

LAPTOPER

? · Answer

you can try baking soda doused with water or vinegar doused with water...make sure you don't come in contact with the water. :]

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Calcium Build Up On Tank Lights?

3 Answers