I've got two 6000 streams that I've had running in my 180 since last september and they're starting to look pretty grungy with a lot of algae covering them. I'm just looking to find out what the best recommended method for cleaning them is. Should I take them apart and scrub them with a toothbrush in some tap water? Or should I just let them soak in a vinegar/water solution, muratic acid/water, eze-clean? Any advice would be appreciated.
Best way to clean Tunze streams?
- Thread starter Percs
- Start date
crumbletop
New member
check out the thread at the top of this forum called "why is the alarm going off - how to clean a stream". I use a vinegar bath, and a good scrubbing.
bheron
Active member
Id like to add onto this - rather than start a new post.
Roger, in the sticky at the top of this forum, its suggests we take apart the pump to clean it? is this something that is fairly easy and safe if we've never done it before?
Also, any specific concentration of vinegar to water when soaking? I have 2 6080's that have been up for a year and never cleaned once
Roger, in the sticky at the top of this forum, its suggests we take apart the pump to clean it? is this something that is fairly easy and safe if we've never done it before?
Also, any specific concentration of vinegar to water when soaking? I have 2 6080's that have been up for a year and never cleaned once
It is shown in the manual, it is not much different from taking apart any other powerhead. I would definitely clean them soon or they could lock up from calcium build up and then they would have to be sent in. Straight vinegar is fine for tough deposits but 50/50 with water is what I usually use.
RokleM
Premium Member
My calcium is in the 450 range, and it's guaranteed to start alarming after about two months or so of us. When the first one start alarming, I immediately clean both since I know the second will be in less than 48 hours.
I agree there is likely a set standard, but personally I would say "as often as they need it". If you know every 3 months you start to alarm, clean every 2. If you know you go 6 months, clean every 5...
I agree there is likely a set standard, but personally I would say "as often as they need it". If you know every 3 months you start to alarm, clean every 2. If you know you go 6 months, clean every 5...
I am not sure what is in EZ Clean, I would presume phosphoric acid? The problem is that strong acids tend to be very electronegative and form hydrogen bonds readily, the plastic forms hydrogen bonds and swells as a result. We are only talking about microns, but the result is the pump runs a fraction of a degree hotter and builds up lime faster.
