[ibjmg]

looking for something good. now I use windex spray it on the paper towel then clean the tank .. It leaves acyrlic with like a fog on it.what do you all use.?

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by ibjmg

looking for something good. now I use windex spray it on the paper towel then clean the tank .. It leaves acyrlic with like a fog on it.what do you all use.?

Jerrod,

Windex, as you have discovered, will DESTROY the surface of acrylic! It should NEVER be used on acrylic as every acrylic manufacturer warns on their website.

In fact, Windex is not safe to use near a reef aquarium under any circumstances because it is highly toxic to the tank's inhabitants and too risky in my opinion. Certainly one should never spray it anywhere near the aquarium because the spray could be absorbed with the aquarium water.

From Tenecor:

Cleaners
DO NOT use any product which contains AMMONIA, ALCOHOL, or ABRASIVES, such as Windex, Comet, Ajax, or other commercial cleaners when cleaning an acrylic aquarium. Use of such cleaners will cause the acrylic to permanently lose it's clarity. A soft cloth and water, or a polish made specifically for acrylic, should be used for cleaning.

DO NOT expose acrylic to paints, varnishes, turpentine, or their fumes. Exposure to these chemicals will cause crazing and loss of clarity.

For regular maintenance Tenecor recommends cleaners that are specifically designed for acrylic, such as Novus® and Plexus®. Many other cleaners contain chemicals which will penetrate the pores in acrylic and cause damage which shows as fine lines or haziness. Plexus® aids in the removal of fine scratches and abrasions and will actually help protect the acrylic from accidental exposure to harmful chemicals.


http://www.tenecor.com/maintenance.php

[ibjmg]

Acrylic should always be cleaned with a good quality soft cloth. Special polishing clothes are available from Tenecor and are the best guarantee of a lasting finish. As a substitute, a soft cotton cloth or high grade paper towel can be used occasionally. DO NOT use commercial grade paper towels or newsprint.


with that said ... Im wondering about my magnet cleaner sure I use eye glasses cleaning cloth on the outside. but on the inside I use a piece of my poly filter .

should I change the inside? I am starting to see more fine little scatches. not about to break the tank down to polish it. maybe some day when I move. I would rather just get a new GLASS tank "same size"

[Ninong]

Some people use magnets to clean acrylic tanks but most people are scared to death to use magnets because of the possiblity of picking up grains of sand and scratching the acrylic.

[golfish]

try using RO\DI water to clean the front, then dry and buff

[Toni217]

Wow I never knew that i am glad someone asked the question about cleaning the outside for i was using windex too. i will surely STOP that now!

[BubbaWPB]

Originally Posted by golfish

try using RO\DI water to clean the front, then dry and buff

I use RO/DI water on my acrylic refugium, and it works just as well on the glass aquarium.