Removing corraline algae from dry acrylic tank advice

[rtsusc83]

Seeking advice on safest way to clean up significant amounts of corraline algae on the sides of an empty 210 gal tank (formerly SteveOutlaws).   Appreciate any expert advice.  Thanks!

[Rob A]

Last tank I cleaned was a 120. I filled it with tap water and added 3 gallons of vinegar. I left it sitting for a couple of weeks and everthing dissolved. I don't kow that I needed to leave it that long...I was just really busy at the time. if you have time or resources to roll it onto to one side or another you could lay it on a side and just pour straight vinegar on it and let it sit (if it has a lip).

[rtsusc83]

did you have to scrape it off or did it just simply dissolve?

[sachabballi reef]

Last tank I cleaned was a 120. I filled it with tap water and added 3 gallons of vinegar. I left it sitting for a couple of weeks and everthing dissolved. I don't kow that I needed to leave it that long...I was just really busy at the time. if you have time or resources to roll it onto to one side or another you could lay it on a side and just pour straight vinegar on it and let it sit (if it has a lip).

+1 let the vinegar eat it and then use a mr clean eraser to get it off once it's disintegrating.

 

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[matt]

Can't speak to acrylic, but vinegar does some magic on glass tanks if you just let a strong mixture sit for a few days

[smallreef]

Yep..I filled my tank with warm tap and about 5 gallons of vinegar...put a tarp over it and 2 days later rinsed it out...only a few spots needed scrubbing with a magic eraser...

[YHSublime]

You got it. Vinegar , not just for Fish and Chips !

[sachabballi reef]

best place in the world to get the vinegar is the big clubs...costco etc. for $3 and change you get a couple of gallons....

[Rob A]

Everything eventually just dissolved. I don't know what the best ratio is though, I used 3 gallons to 120 of water because that's what I had on hand.

The first few days I was occasionally using a soft brush but that wasn't doing much so I just left it alone. I wouldn't recommend a brush of any kind on acrylic though because if a chunk broke off and was stuck in the brush you might create scratches as you rub it around in there.

[Rob A]

And now I want some fish and chips...

[rtsusc83]

Thanks all!  Bought four big jugs of 5% at the big box store!  I first started with spraying with vinegar and then poured all four jugs and filled up the tank.  I will check tomorrow if it starts coming off.