At this moment my skimmer is running in vinegar...

Sk8r

Staff member
RC Mod
..which is what you do it for built-up crud. Good old white uncomplicated vinegar, cheaper in bulk from Costco or Sam's.

Remember, if you have a pump that needs a cleaning, a piece of gear crudded beyond recognition in that white or pink stuff (coralline can be a plague) an overnight bath in vinegar with the motor running can clean it. It can also remove lime from your shower. Or clear your spray heads. It dissolves calcium carbonate (the white stuff.)

Just a useful tidbit for the future. Your gear is too new new unless you bought used, and then it can be majorly useful. It's also relatively safe: a spoonful into your tank might alter the ph for a bit, but briefly, which makes it a lot safer than other cleaners.
 
who often do you do this?
is it pure vinegar, or mixed with water?
How long do you run it in vinegar for? an hour? overnight?
Thanks in advance
 
Straight vinegar 10minutes, NO MORE.
Vinegar can degrade the insulation that makes the pump impervious to water.
Citric acid is the new go to for safe cleaning now.
 
Straight vinegar 10minutes, NO MORE.
Vinegar can degrade the insulation that makes the pump impervious to water.
Citric acid is the new go to for safe cleaning now.

What is the strength of citric acid? I have seen it in powdered form?
Thanks
 
I use 1 tbsp (15 g) per cup (250 ml) of water. Using warm or hot water speeds up the process a little.


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Does it work as quickly as straight vinegar? I use vinegar on all non electrical stuff and am curious for in tank powerheads parts etc.
 
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