Salt Creep in Saltwater Aquariums
Salt creep is a common and unsightly ailment in saltwater aquariums. Salt creep occurs as water in the tank is splashed up on surfaces. The water evaporates but leaves behind a salt deposit- an unattractive dry white crusty mark. Salt is a corrosive material and, as such, it may leave permanent marks on surfaces to which it adheres. Salt can corrode metals and etch glass over time.
The best way to deal with salt creep around your marine tank is to prevent it in the first place. Once a month, wipe down all surfaces that come into contact with water from your tank. This includes the tank lid, lights, interior exposed glass and exterior glass. In most cases, simply wiping it down with water is sufficient but if salt creep is becoming noticeable, use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Do not use vinegar on the inside of the tank as it can alter the pH levels of the tank water.
Take a moment to assess the area around your tank: the walls, floor and even ceiling. Is salt water spraying on these areas? Do you see any staining or deterioration? If so, rearrange the area around the tank to protect those surfaces. If water is spilling on to the floor, protect it with a rubberized surface. Put a cardboard shield behind the tank to protect the wall if necessary.
If you already have salt creep in or on your tank, it’s important to take immediate action. Salt can permanently cloud aquarium glass and salt creep can block light from your aquarium fluorescents. The first step if you have salt creep on your aquarium glass is to remove the fish to a fresh tank. Dump the water out of the original tank and thoroughly rinse the interior with dish soap and water. Move plants and gravel to separate containers and thoroughly rinse. Rinse the gravel until the water runs clear. Fill the tank half full of lukewarm water and top up with standard white vinegar (5 or 6% concentration). Let soak for 12-24 hours. The vinegar, which is an acid, will eat away at the salt deposit. After 12 hours, wipe the tank interior with a wet cloth and determine whether the salt deposit is coming off onto the cloth. If not, let it soak longer. Once the salt can be rubbed off with a cloth, dump the vinegar water out of the tank and rinse thoroughly with clean water several times. There should be no odor of vinegar when you are through. This is extremely important as vinegar can change the pH of the tank and stress the fish into hosting disease.
Remember to protect biological filtration systems including live rock from contact with the vinegar and from drying out in order to prevent the necessity of restarting your tanks nitrogen cycle. Every marine aquarium enthusiast encounters salt creep at one time or another. Protecting against it and cleaning it up when it happens is an important part of tank maintenance.
