what is the best (and cheapest) way to get that gross yellow hard water scale from the top part of the glass off?
we recently acquired a fairly large tank that is pretty gross with scale, and want to clean it up.

There is a commercial product available in the U.S called CLR (calcium, lime, rust) that works well. Also a single edge razor blade and some elbow grease also works. If you do put any chemicals on the glass, be sure to rinse well.

Congrats on the new tank.

NC

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Karrow,

i was wondering about clr. i wasnt sure if it was safe to use, even with rinsing really well.

i think the hardest part will be deciding what fish to put in the tank.

With any new fish tank, you want to start with some inexpensive fish to ensure the water is conditioned and safe for your more expensive fish.

A good way to start your tank is to add some conditioned water from another tank. Much like sourdough bread, you need to get some bacteria started in the water. The pet stores do sell bottles of start-up bacteria but a couple of gallons of fish water will do the same.

Now for the fish, IMHO start with a couple of plecos and then wait a couple of weeks to make sure they are still alive.

i was thinking of starting with pelcos of course, and a few feeder goldfish.
they will take up residence in the pond during the summer.

i would like cichilds again, but the thought of a community tank with lots of different fish seems to be better for a tank this size.
perhaps ill transfer the goldfish from my current tank, and grab a couple of cichlids for the smaller one.

Use a normal sponge with no soap and it should come of imediately. if not then use a little aquarium salt.