Cleaning a tank....

[fliberdygibits]

This is actually two different questions, I just picked one to base the title on.

First, I remember someone posting that you should not use windex on a tank as it will soak through the glass. I have not tried windex yet, but my first thought was "That's Rediculous, NOTHING soaks through glass" but after thinking about it, water will soak through about anything with enough time, and windex is a MUCH more harsh substance. So aside from the obvious concerns of over-spray into the tank and vapors and things like that, is it or is it not safe to use windex IF done carefully? How about those pre-soaked window wipes where there is no spraying involved?

Next, what precautions should I take to paint the back of a running tank or should I not try it at all? I was thinking, HEAVY ventilation and maybe only doing 10% of the back of the tank at a time? Also, if this is all ok, should I clean the water spots and stuff off or will the paint moisten and "dilute" them? Only reason I ask is that getting behind my tank to gently brush on paint will be tough enough, but to get in there and scrub at water spots I am afraid I will either knock my tank over or make the fish sea-sick.

Thanks!

[FishDaddy]

Fliberdy,
Certainly, Windex does not soak through glass!
There is always the risk of accidental contamination when using Windex or any other strong cleaner around your tank.
I recommend just using fresh water to clean the outside. If you have salt buildup or need something to cut the grime, white vinegar and newspaper works very well. (good for outside windows on your house, too )

For painting the back of the glass, again precautions are in order. I'd cover the top of the tank with a plastic drop cloth to prevent any accidents. Again, use vinegar to clean the back of the tank to avoid paint bubbles. A long handled sponge brush would work well for those hard to reach areas. Same type of brush for the paint. These should be available at any Wal Mart or hardware/paint store.
HTH,
Dick

[fliberdygibits]

Like I said, my first though was that the windex soaking through thing was a load, but anything is possible I suppose so I wanted to make sure

Thanks for the response

[Doug1]

Re: Windex soaking through glass. Hehehehe I have been around windex products for almost as long as Dick and I dare say that it soaking thru glass was never an issue, now clumsy boys on the other hand
As far as painting the back of the tank while its up and going, I really dont recommend doing that. BUT if you must clean it thoroughly with white vinegar follwed by a wipe down with alcohol after taping a plastic drop cloth to the back and sides and folding it forward over the canopy, If you have a sump you will need to cover that also. Get an air pump that will drive a couple airstones and enough tubing to place the pump outside. Have some carbon on hand to run on the tank while doing this and for a day after, change carbon about half way . Walmart or similar has cute little mini roller/tray setups real cheap as well as Krylon latex ename in pints and quarts. This stuff dries quickly but use a fan or two while its curing!!!!!!!
Again I need to reiterate that this is not a recommended procedure but should minimize danger , use at own risk

[Brooke]

If your tank is already set up..be safe and get one of the backgrounds to tape on. You can get solid black...or a nice dark blue one. Plus, they are cheap and easy .

I don't go anywhere near the tank with windex or other household cleaners. On our glass tank we just use a good rag and fresh water.

HTH-
Brooke

[MontanaRocknReefer]

I have used Windex and spray some on a paper towel away from the tank and then wipe the glass and have had no problems.
My wife also bought a type of cloth and it looks like what car wash people use to do windshields and you soak it with very hot water and wring it dry and wipe the glass and it does wonders! Johnny

[m3rma1d]

i use windex, but i spray the paper towel away from the tank & then wipe it..

but that seems to kinda just smear salt around it so i let it dry & then use a dry paper towel or a dry washcloth to wipe the salt off, seems to do the trick, gotta make sure my kitty has a good veiw of her big screen tv (oh, i mean my tank)

[fliberdygibits]

you still get drips and water spots and stuff behind them. Plus, I had one that my cats took great delight in tearing down. Wires, hoses no problems, but the background was like catnip or something.

Thanks all!