View Full Version : Windex ok for tank glass?
WACichlid
02-07-2006, 9:15 PM
Not sure where this thread would go.... I saw a picture of squidfish cleaning his tank with what appears to be windex or another type of cleaning solution... I was told this wasn't safe. Was I misinformed?
t_chelle16
02-07-2006, 9:47 PM
As long as you don't get any in the water, it's fine. I generally ues either Windex or automotive window cleaner.
-Chelle
WACichlid
02-07-2006, 10:36 PM
I know this sounds crazy... but I was told that over a long period of time windex would actually get through the microscopic pores of the glass and into the water. My response to this was if it really did that the amount would be so negligable that it would be any worse than a natural ammonia build-up. Am I off base here?
errr.. I would venture to say that it evaporates long before it could get through the window....
Froggie
02-08-2006, 6:26 PM
I know this sounds crazy... but I was told that over a long period of time windex would actually get through the microscopic pores of the glass and into the water. My response to this was if it really did that the amount would be so negligable that it would be any worse than a natural ammonia build-up. Am I off base here?
Yes, whomever told you that has no understanding of chemistry at all. Windex cannot permeate through glass. That would be like "water slowly leaking through the glass" in the other direction.
Theresa_M
02-08-2006, 6:43 PM
I'm not a photography expert but what I recommend rather than actual Windex are the Windex Glass and Surface Wipes; even store brand. I make sure whichever I purchase say 'glass', other types tend to leave streaks.
The main point is that with these there is no worry of any bits of the spray getting into the tank.
alanhill
02-08-2006, 6:56 PM
Yes, whomever told you that has no understanding of chemistry at all. Windex cannot permeate through glass. That would be like "water slowly leaking through the glass" in the other direction.
Absolutely!
As Mr Scott used to say 'ye canna change the laws o' physics' - or chemistry either ;)
Actually warm water works very nicely, provided it is immediately dried with plenty of soft paper tissue.
Alan
WACichlid
02-08-2006, 7:53 PM
Yes, whomever told you that has no understanding of chemistry at all. Windex cannot permeate through glass. That would be like "water slowly leaking through the glass" in the other direction.
I guess I never thought of it that way. Makes sense though.
PhotoByMark
02-08-2006, 11:33 PM
I tried to post this am - And I was having trouble posting - some DB errors and such......
So I am a little late but here is what I said this am:
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Hmmm - I never did buy into that that windex would seep through the glass. I would worry more about the water on the inside seeping out through the glass. LOL. If that happens then worry. (Already mentioned above) - I do worry about any sprays/contaminents getting into my tank especially since my tanks are mostly open top. I have caught my wife spraying lysol and other such things around my tanks. BAD-BAD Wifey! LOL. She now understands.
I personally use RO/DI water in a spray bottle and newspaper to clean outside glass. Works better than glass cleaner on fish tanks and safe with no worries of evil chemicals getting into the tank.
Also, consider using glass cleaners that are vinegar based as I believe they are a little safer.