Help-Trying to clean used tank

Ok, I was all excited when my friend gave me a used 29 gallon tank. Well my excitement is turning into banging my head into the nearest wall! They had well water. Need I say more? The tank is all stained near the top and foggy everywhere else. I have tried everything that I can think of, soaking, white vinegar, baking soda, bleach, steel wool, paint scraper, magic eraser, green scrubbie, and even resorted to CLR on a paper towel to soak. I know this is not a good idea, but I am so frustrated. So I am not convinced that this is etched right into the glass. There has to be something that will take this off, or atleast make it look better so that I can set it up. I am a clean tank freak, and if I set it up this way, I know that dirty foggy glass will drive me nuts. Some one out there must have some ideas that I have not tried yet,,, anyone? Help please! Any suggestions?
Sue

Hey sue,
I had the same deal when I decided to steal my parents 29 gallon tank and they have well water aswell. But, I never tried to clean it and it looks like it was brand new and set up. That ring of water that you mention is no where to be found on this tank anymore.

After using all those chemicals I really do not know if I would set that tank up. CLR? that stuff is highly dangerous to humans, why wouldn't it be to fish aswell?

But, like I said I had the same problem, but didnt do anything and it looks great.

Well I did only use about a capfull of CLR on a paper towel in one spot. When it did not work, I did clean and rinse that area well. So I really don't think that would be a problem, do you? I will of course soak it for a few days before I use it. And you know what? I never thought of that maybe in time once it is set up, that stain goes away. What an easy idea, and what a waste of time for the last few days trying to clean this. LOL
Sue

Have you tried razor blades? I had a similar problem with a free 29 gallon tank that had grown super cruddy with Phoenix tap water and what ever fell into it. Nothing worked, and it leaked slowly when I filled it with vinegar water. The tank is now outside waiting to be used for sprouting vegetable seeds, but Phoenix is already too warm for that. The foggy looking stuff seems to be etched into the glass.

If you think about it, the actual aquarium is one of the less expensive components of a complete setup. PETCO has or had a once a year, dollar a gallon sale on fish tanks. That's fairly cheap when you consider the price of lighting, a stand, gravel, filter, plants, etc. Please let us know if you figure out how to clean your free aquarium.

John that is a good point. I know Petsmart had a huge sail not too long ago. But it doesn't leak so I would just say fill it and let some snails or fish or something eat whats on the glass. All those minerals are good for plants aswell.

Like I said, you can not see the ring around my tank anymore, and it was pretty bad when I got it.

As for the chemicals, if you used them liberally than I would say letting it soak and washing it midly with soap and water and air drying for a day should be fine. The acronym CLR scares the hell out of me considering it can clean drains and mildew and rust and whatever else. Probably even melts your skin. Just kidding, I would hope not.