Cleaning Powerheads and such

[Sinclair9]

Hey guys,

I am looking for a good way to clean my powerheads and other equipment. I have read that by soaking/running equipment in vinegar I canclean them really well. Is this a viable solution, or is there a better way to clean them. The reason I am doing this is to help try to eliminate my hair alge problem, and I figured cleaning all my equipment really well will help. Is this a good way to clean my equipment or is there a better way???? Thanks in advance!

 

[george1098]

Probably not a better (safer) way. Vinager is a pretty good solvent so it should do the trick. You could also use scaulding hot water aswell. Other than that you don't want to use any 'product' or anything.

 

[easttn]

Muratic acid works very fast, will not harm plastic. Use it outdoors only and rinse before replacing into tank. Use gloves.

 

[prugs]

Get the cheapest vinegar you can find & use it full strength.

 

[RandyStacyE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7953817#post7953817 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by easttn
Muratic acid works very fast, will not harm plastic. Use it outdoors only and rinse before replacing into tank. Use gloves.

Right On! I use Muratic acid too; I dilute it a bit, but works like a charm. Rinse well and use in a well ventilated are if not outside. It annihilates just about any buildup quicker than vinegar. Rinses quicker than CLR.

 

[schristi69]

Vinegar and hot water...one cup per gallon of water

 

[Sinclair9]

I think I am gonna have to try that muriatic acid, I tried pure vinegar and it hasnt done anything to the hair alge. Have any of you used bleach?

 

[Jester]

I normally soak my powersweep and other powerheads in vinegar for a bout an hour and havent ever had any problems... it definitley keeps the powersweep moving...

Jester

 

[Sinclair9]

Yeah, I think it is disolving the calcium well, but they have alot of hair alge that I am trying to remove completely, the vinegar unfortunatly is not having much of an effect. They have been soaking in the vinegar overnight.

 

[itstheantitang]

I don't think cleaning your equipment will get rid of the hair algae. The hair algae will keep growing as long as there is nutrients it can grow off.

 

[Sinclair9]

Yeah, I know it won't get rid of the alge problem. But I have to remove all the alge I can see, in addition to removing the nutrients. I am installing a sump and new skimmer this weekend. If the powerheads are all clogged with alge they are just gonna spread the problem. That is why I want to really clean them, in hopes to help slow the spread while the nutrient levels are lowerd.

 

[easttn]

HD has it in the paint dept. It will make the ph look brand new.

 

[badpacket]

Clorox in hot water works great for me, followed by vinegar and some water baths/rinsing. Never had a problem placing them back in the tank either. The bleach really removes the gunk and deposits. I use about 1/4-1/2 cup per gallon.