how to clean nasty grime, lime scale crap off of a used tank ?

[ryeguy28]

hey guys im trying to get started in reefing again but i got this tank for free and i dont know how to clean it ?
help please

thanks in advance,
Ryan

[demonclownfish]

vinegar

[ec1452]

yup what demon said i would guess just let it soak for a couple of days

[ryeguy28]

fill the whole thing with just that ???

[jimsflies]

I bought 8 gallons (from Sams Club) for my 60 gallon tank...put it in the sump only with some warm water for a few days and let it sit. Then filled up the rest of the tank with warm (not hot) water, turned on all my pumps and cranked the heaters. Let it run for a few weeks and now it is clean as a whistle...

[Sir Patrick]

I spray a mix of water and vinager, with a spray bottle, and let it set. It breaks down. I then rince with water. Spray again, and wipe with a soft towel. Will be clean in no time.

[igot2gats]

It depends on how long the 'grime' has been sitting in the tank. The longer it's been there, the harder you'll have to work to get it off / have patience with the vinegar.

I agree with all the above - all good options.

[Hopkins]

Moved to the current forum, as this is not an emergency.

I agree with all the vinegar and elbow grease comments, it works every time.

[AZDesertRat]

I use straight distilled white vinegar, its like $1.80 a gallon at Wal Mart.
For the sides I soak an old towel or rags in the vinegar, lay the tank on its side and spread the towel over the surface. The area stays wet and the calcium melts away quickly. Mixing the vinegar with water raises the pH so it is not as effective, use it straight.
Then after that, if its a glass tank I use a Scotchbrite pad to polish it up. If its acrylic you have to be more careful to not scratch the surface.