Dana

Very handy article. Thanks so much I'll make a dent this weekend. Here's hoping it's sunny so I can fry the build up on the components. I've had some plastics react to vinegar in the past so I might be cautious on that side. Wonder if Meths would help re the glass. Evaporates so a good clear should take the dye...? Also interested to see how the in-hood filter goes. A bit pessimistic but we shall see. Will pick up a Fluval if I'm not happy with the result.

Yes, certainly a project but I'm in no rush. Cleaning it properly without leaving residue is my main concern. Might give the vinegar a go. There are also some baking soda recipies designed to clean build up out of washing machines, they might be a good idea. Although I did learn a while ago that mixing baking soda and vinegar is not a good idea

And finally the link works...Thanks, haven't tried Flickr before

Hi all. Well my first post, I have been reading for a short while with interest. Although an intro, I have a question so please excuse my short novel... My Father who passed 2 years ago was a tad obsessed with aquariums. He was a paraplegic so my weekends were pretty much consumed with water changes. Most kids get grounded, If I did anything wrong I was handed the smallest tube he could find and a 3 ltr bowl I haven't touched a tank (aside from my 3 year old's 28 ltr) in over 15 years. I'm a single mum, work full time, study at night and have finally given in to the love of balance. I've picked up a cheap 5 year old AR980. The photo really doesn't show how bad it's current state is. I've decided to give the DIY 3D background a shot after reading the older posts on the topic. I'll post some pics of my progress if not for your interest, then for your entertainment lol My question is, although the tank will be cycled numerous times re chemicals, what's the best method to remove very old, dry and stubborn algae and calcium? It's everywhere. The people were lovely, but the tank has already been scratched in their attempt to tidy it up. This will be a fairly time consuming project before I even entertain the idea of fish...Oh, which will be a community tank..(fingers crossed this image upload behaves... IMG_0798 by danaj2009, on Flickr