hard water stain removal

[davidcmarkham]

A friend gave me a 30 gal tank which has some bad hard water stains on it. I have tried vinegar, bleach, HCl, and a mr. clean eraser (my mom's idea.) The only thing that removed any of it was shampoo (another of mom's ideas which I tried on a small area.) I am reluctant to use it on the whole tank for fear that I will never get it all out.

So does anyone know how to get hard water stains off a tank? Or how to get shampoo 100% out afterwards? This tank was free and will ultimately be a jetty tank for the anemones and crabs that the kids pull off the jetty at the beach - so there is low risk in trying. Suffice it to say that with all the shipping locally these creatures are VERY hardy. Alternatively, anyone curious to know if the tank can support life after a shampoo treatment?

Dave

[lps]

Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid) 5 bucks a gallon at Lowes in the paint section or any pool and spa store. Dont know if its the safest thing to use in a tank, but definately not worse than the other stuff. Be sure to use in a well vented area. Guarrantee it 'll take those spots off though.

[DonW]

Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid) 5 bucks a gallon at Lowes in the paint section or any pool and spa store. Dont know if its the safest thing to use in a tank, but definately not worse than the other stuff. Be sure to use in a well vented area. Guarrantee it 'll take those spots off though.

The stuff at lowes and paint stores is pretty weak so it should be safe.

Don