Several years ago I was given an aquarium that had severe hard water stains. I mean it was tough to look through. This tank had literally sat half full in someone’s garage until all of the water had evaporated. But I figured that I could make it presentable by using some of my standard tricks (like vinegar). Well, this ended up being tougher than I thought. I wiped, scrubbed, and ultimately used a few things that I would not recommend (CLR and much harsher), considering what this tank would soon become home to. I never did get the glass very clear, but I made it into a viv anyway.
Fast-forward a few years (to a couple of days ago). The tank is well planted with happy inhabitants, very stable and has been for a couple of years. But when I looked at the nice clear glass of my other vivs, I began to think about breaking this one down.
So this past weekend, I was cleaning the water stained leaves of an orchid that I had just purchased using freshly- squeezed lemon juice. I’ve had done this for years to clean stained, thick-leaved plants that I acquire from careless nurseries. Then it hit me! I have no idea why I didn’t try this before!
I dipped a cotton ball into the bowl of lemon juice, squeezed out the excess, and wiped the inside of the still badly stained viv, and then I wiped it with a moist paper towel and then a dry one. Guess what?
It #@*! SPARKLES!!!
A lot of you may have already known about this, but for those who didn’t, I hope it helps!