Cleaning powerheads

[danielp]

Hi,
Whats the best method to easily and safely clean powerheads? I heard some people just put water in the bucket, add some vinegar and let it run for some time. Then clean it with a brush and it suppose to be spotless, or close to it.
Now my question is, how much vinegar for a gallon of saltwater? For how long should I run the powerhead in the bucket? Should I even run it or just let it sit there?
Maybe other better methods?
thanks

 

[maazreef]

BRS has great YouTube videos demonstrating the process that you mentioned. Allthough they do not run the pumps they just use small brushes to get in and around hard to get places. I'm not sure how much vinegar but I'm positive the video specified

 

[danielp]

Thanks for the quick response, I will definitely check it out.

 

[Stork141]

I always just toss mine in hotwater from the tap and vinegar. I usually pour around 1/4 v to h20. Ill let it sit for a hour or so and spin. Normally after that i do not even need a brush. It wipes off just by touching it but a brush is helpful.

 

[skunkmere]

dont use saltwater and vinegar. tap water. or pure vinegar is my favorite. vinegar is cheap by the gallon

 

[ostrow]

Water and muriatic acid, in that order, in a bucket. 3 to 1. Cleans quick. Keep orings out!

Rinse well.

5 min tops.

 

[danielp]

Thanks guys, its time for my powerheads to look clean

 

[cet98]

I highly recommend using one gallon of hot tap water (from the tap, not boiled) and a cup of white vinegar..... Then I run the powerhead in the bucket overnight.... Cleaning afterwards with a toothbrush (not your significant other's)
this alleviates any possibilities of damaging any rubber gaskets or o-rings as the watered down acidity is enough to breakdown the encrusted coralline...
I've been doing this for years with my MP10 pumps and don't have any issues with them....

GL...

 

[maazreef]

(not your significant others)

GL...

:lol:

 

[wildbill1979]

i clean mine every 4 months or so ... 5 gallon home depot bucket 1 gallon white vinegar 3 gallons tap water and set it forget it till next day .. like most say the coraline just wipes off . i normally pull the impeller out and give it a good wipe down and rinse then gtg in tank

 

[NSimpkins]

I like using vinegar as opposed to anything else because it's fishtank safe. Any other chemicals if not fully cleaned off could poison your tank.

¼ or ⅓ vinegar to water ratio is good.