Vinegar as a cleaner

I use a ton of it, 2g jugs also available at Costco

A tip for cleaning tanks: don't use diluted vinegar in water. Take paper towels (I use the ones in the box from Lowes) and get them wet with vinegar and squeeze out a bit. Then "stick" them to the areas you want to soak. After they are in place, pour straight vinegar over them using a small cup. This keeps pure vinegar in contact with the crusted on stuff. "refresh" every 5 minutes or so. If you can, tip the tank toward the side you are treating and then just scoop up the drained-out vinegar and pour back over the paper towel. In about 30 minutes or so, remove the towels and scrape. Repeat if necessary.

I've done this to old acrylic tanks with years of coralline and they clean up like brand new.

 

Vinegar is generally 5% acetic acid. It is true that prolonged exposure of straight acetic acid (I have over a gallon of Glacial Acetic Acid for use in bonding acrylic) will cause crazing, and fast, the store-bought stuff is pretty safe to use for a short term treatment.

I don't think I heard about the rubber thing though. Makes sense. Also a good reason to use silicone o-rings and suction cups though.

 

Exactly what I have done. Straight vinegar soaked paper towels. Let it do the work and then it's an easy wash after that.

 

As long as you're careful! I've scratched glass with a 3M scrubby - the actual 3M brand, off-brands are less dangerous. And never on acrylic ouch!