Hi, I have a new tank and I was just wondering if soaking stuff with calcium deposits in a 1-gallon bucket half full of vinegar and half-full of water will actually work? I just did soaked my intake tubes, filter baskets and the covers along with a 75% water change to the tank because I am leaving my house for 6 weeks (btw, I will have my mom take care of N & C) on Tuesday but decided to clean the tank today. So, is that a good method for removing calcium deposits?

IMO calcium deposits are unsightly but unharmful. You may be doing more harm than good by removing potential growth sites for beneficial bacteria and putting them in stagnant water without ammonia. I know you didn't put in your filter media, but still. I only worry about removing calcium deposits when a) I get a new used tank, b) I am breaking down a tank for storage, or c) I am breaking down a filter for storage.

the only places i worry about removing calcium deposits from are:

1. the edges of my tank around the top
2. the tops of HOB filters
3. the glass aquarium lids of my tanks (though i've removed those)
4. and around my light fixtures

i do not soak my filter baskets to remove any deposits...
but to answer your question... vinegar will remove calcium deposits.

Ah the one single benifit from having water with 0 hardness. It takes almost a year for any sign of water marks to appear on my tank equipment, and thats all from the crushed coral I add to the tanks.

When I do have to clean them off I usually spray with a vinegar and water mix (sometimes onto a papertowel first) and wipe it off.

Oh, OK. I just wanted the tank to be clean for when my mom has to take care of them. I have to be separated from my goldies for 6 weeks.....