How to Clean Aquariums With CLR

Whether you've obtained a used, dirty aquarium or you need to cleanse your old one, using CLR works. The original CLR cleaning formula is an all-purpose cleaner that gets rid of calcium, lime, rust, grease, dirt and grime from a wide range of household items. It will safely remove hard-water stains and calcification that occurs from standing water. Cleaning your aquarium with CLR isn't difficult and only takes about an hour.

Things You'll Need

  • Scouring sponge
  • CLR
  • Aquarium
  • Garden hose
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the aquarium outside in a sunny location. Add about 4 oz. of CLR to the empty aquarium for every 20 gallons of water the aquarium can hold.

    • 2

      Fill the aquarium halfway with water using the garden hose.

    • 3

      Apply the rough part of the sponge to the inner walls of the aquarium, scrubbing in circular motions. Use a felt variety of scrubby sponge and not steel wool.

    • 4

      Scrub down into the bottom of the tank and corners.

    • 5

      Dump the water-diluted CLR solution from the aquarium. Lay the aquarium on its side. Spray the inside of the tank thoroughly for up to 10 minutes with the garden hose on all the way. This adequately and thoroughly removes all traces of CLR solution. Let the aquarium air-dry outdoors for 5 hours before setting it up.