Curious glass question...

[ingg]

I use a product called "Bar Keepers Friend"--I think it's pumice powder. Because it's dry, there's less chance of spilling chemicals into the tank. I just make a paste of it with water, apply with a paper towel, let dry, then polish off with another dry towel. It removes mineral deposits, takes off all residue on the glass and leaves it all shiny.

My experience with Rain-x have been with my windshield and it isn't something I'd want on my tank (or my windshield again, either). Yes--it did cut fogging, but I found it left a residue that ws somewhat cloudy itself. But maybe thinner application? I don't know--I just don't think I'll try it again.

It is Oxalic Acid.

I don't know about safety around aquaria or what concentration you are using, but I remember this stuff chewing up pewter/painted-to-be-metal type stuff from my bartending days.

Not that I'd chug a glass of RainX either, but do be careful.

[marydotson]

It's supposed to be safe on glass, according to the label. I have used it to clean insides of tanks (when dry) and haven't had any problems--but I was careful about removing all traces and rinsing well afterward.

For exteriors, I do prefer using dry cleaning products because I find them easier to handle, there are no fumes and any occurring residue becomes visible. Even though I have no clue what Oxalic acid is, agreed that it might be better to use something like whiting (though again, who knows what's in that, either?).

[Rick Dotson]

Looks like it should be okay as it is only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Of course you would want to neutralize or dilute it if you used it to clean out a tank.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxalic_acid