A. It sounds as if you have what is often referred to as lime buildup on the glass. This occurs when the water has lots of minerals in it. As water evaporates, it leaves behind the minerals, which adhere to the glass.
It looks so terrible that there is a huge temptation to use home cleaning products to remove it. However, resist that urge, as even the smallest residue can be lethal to fish. There are products, such as
Safe Aquarium Cleaner, that are made to remove lime buildup on aquarium glass.
However, there is a readily available, inexpensive alternative – vinegar. That’s right, plain old vinegar. Lay the tank down on a towel, and pour enough vinegar on the affected glass to cover it. Leave it sit for 10-20 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive pad or cloth and rinse well. You may have to repeat the process a couple of times (for each side) to get it all off.
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