Glass Top weird smudge - Equipment

Qwertus · 10-22-2009, 04:18 AM

I've been using the glass top in pic for about 1 year now, but a few months ago I saw some smudge that i couldn't clean. I even try windex when its wet it looks clear and clean but when it tries the smudge came back. Anyone know how to get rid of this or do I need a new glass top?

Seattle_Aquarist · 10-22-2009, 06:13 AM

Hi Qwertus,

It looks like a mineral deposit to me. I get mine under my light bulbs where water splashes up and evaporates on the glass. If it is not bad you can remove with a Scotchbrite Pad. If it has accumulated for a while, a product called CLR is a calcium remover that works well. Remove the glass cover from the aquarium and use CLR over the sink. Rinse glass top thoroughly before re-installing. Do not get CLR in your aquarium.

Tex Gal · 10-22-2009, 06:23 AM

You an also try a razor blade.

Zapins · 10-22-2009, 06:33 AM

Or better yet, use white vinegar. Put a paper towel over the glass and pour a good amount of vinegar over the towel onto the glass. The paper keeps the vinegar on the glass in a nice even layer and then dissolves the calcium in about 10-15 minutes.

I'm not sure if CLR is safe for aquariums, but I know vinegar is after a quick rinse in the sink.

Qwertus · 10-22-2009, 12:13 PM

Hm. i just tried vinegar, left the napkin there for over 20 min but the smudge appears again after it dries. I'm a bit reluctant with CLR though, but I'll use it as last resort.

mudboots · 10-22-2009, 12:34 PM

Sometimes those deposits can become etched into the glass, in which case there's really no way to remove it all. I don't know how much it effects lighting though. I've heard some say it's a non-issue regarding lights and others say it impacts it significantly (regarding the PAR values and so on).

Zapins · 10-22-2009, 06:21 PM

Hmm yea, if the vinegar was liberally applied so the paper was sopping wet for 20 minutes, then it sounds like the glass has become etched (meaning pieces of the glass have been flecked off the surface so the haze is really damage to the glass). If it is etching you will need a new piece of glass if you want it to be perfectly clear. On the other hand mudboots is right, it virtually has no effect on the light getting to the plants, so it is purely a cosmetic problem.

Qwertus · 10-22-2009, 06:28 PM

If it doesn't effect the lights getting to the plants then I gues I'll leave it alone for now since im the only one who looks at the tank regularly anyways. I'll give CLR a try in a while though see how it does.

Zapins · 10-22-2009, 06:42 PM

Make sure to rinse the glass very well after CLR.