Loaches Online Forum

we are almost at the point of being able to put my new loach tank into the new house (we've only been waiting 3 years )

the problem i have is, the new tank is a second hand one, and it was a bit grubby. i've scrubbed it all over, but there seems to be a slight film of dirt over the glass. its quite hard to see, and wont seem to shift with filter wool.

does anyone know of any sort of cleaning stuff i can use to loosen any dirt so it scrubs off better? i am worried that any remaining dirt may harm my loaches, but then detergents could leave traces behind that could harm them too.

my striata, yoyos and the birdii? that Emma has for me will be going in the tank eventually

sorry to ask such a silly question!

I just use the green pan scourers that are attached to sponge to scrub my tanks, never had a problem and it has never damaged the silicone and some of my tanks have been in use constantly for 20 years.

hele, if you fill the tank and leave it to stand it should be significantly easier to clean...

I use white vinegar and rinse well. Then I let it stand as the vinegar will evaperate. This usually works well if its calcium related.

I have also used vinegar successfully several times. It works really well on lime deposits.

Hydrogen peroxide will literally melt that stuff off the glass. Just make sure to rinse promptly so it doesnt affect your silocone.

To clean glass I use credit cards and razorblades. Can't be beat. A very good quality razor and some water has removed absolutely everything I've ever asked of it... Except super stubborn coraline that I tried to have a go at on a powerhead once at the behest of a co-worker at an LFS I used to work @

I like to say I was fired because I was honest...

But realistically I have to accept that its because I'm perhaps not so good with people...

thanks everyone

ive had it soaking for a couple of weeks, and the right grubby stuff came off easy enough. at the weekend, i will give your other suggestions ago. then hopefully, within a week or two, i can get it up and running

Angelfish at least we know when you have strong opinions on something and thanks for being polite with me recently

yeah, devilfish reminds me of my 15yo...

too damn smart
too damn out there
h*ll of a lot of fun when pleased
PITA when not...
totally opinionated
convinced of her own invincibility

but i love her anyway


(and the d-fish can grown on you...when not p*ssing you off beyond bearing!)