Removing coralline from plastic overflows

Im thinking about purchasing a tank that has dual overflows, only problem is they are covered with dry coralline. Im looking for a way to remove the coralline without destroying the overflows. I we thinking maybe sand it down but im not too sure how well thatll work. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

You can use vinegar in the water .let it soak and it will come off with light wiping..I use this with any used tank,power heads.skimmer,etc..rinse well with RO/DI afterwards..

 

CLR is another way to remove and clean coralline from your overflows before building a used tank. Home Depot has gallons for about 9 dollars for Zep brand. Can't beat it and it makes black plastic look new.

Just rinse very well after you get the results you are looking for.

 

you can also use a plastic tire detail brush to help get it off wo scratching the glass or plastic.

 

yup +1 CLR, vinegar, Lime Away
...if you can't dip it, spray it on then put a moist paper towel over the area (soaked in more of the same) and leave over night

 

I'm really surprised to hear you all say to use CLR and Lime Away. How safe is that really?

 

+1, I'm new to SW but very experinced in FW.

IMO you don't even use those chemicals or even window cleaner on the outside of your tank let alone on the inside.

Vinegar how ever is very safe and works very well.

 

I know some of you will frown on this but I use and mild solution of hydrochloric acid and water on my black plastic parts, power heads wave makers etc. As long as there are no metal parts involved and then they are thoroughly soaked and rinsed, it gets rid of coralline quickly. Like I said, only on plastic bits, not metal or glass or anything else.
I am definitely NOT recommending this method but I have used it many times without any fatalities.
I will try vinegar next time and if it works well I will continue to use it, simply because hydrochloric acid in undiluted form can be very dangerous.

 

Hydor actually makes a solution for removing coralline algae from pumps. I'm not sure what it's made of.