Cleaning streams

[Detrituss]

Hello all, I am looking for some imput regarding cleaning of streams. Some backround information first. I had an accident whereby I have caused a huge precipitation of calcium carbonate in my tank. All rock, equipment and surfaces are coated with a layer of calcium carbonate. I have posted in the chemistry forum for assistance with the water parameters and am getting help with that, however, I was wondering a couple of questions regarding cleaning the stream 6060's I have.

What is the best way to clean the streams. Sould they be taken apart and each component cleaned in acetic acid or is it okay to immerse them in a mild actic acid solution and just let them run?

When you turn off the stream powerheads to move them into an acetic acid solution for cleaning, do you have to let an hour pass by for the brake shoes to retract before tuning them on again? I mean to place them into a container with water and acetic acid to run for an hour or two, should they be allowed to sit each time you unplug them?

Thanks for your help, its appreciated.

 

[rvitko]

Definitely don't use straight acetic acid. Vinegar alone is all you need. If the plastic is exposed to glacial acetic it will swell and be permanently discolored. In low pH , high electronegative solutions the plastic forms hydrogen bonds and can increase its mass up to 10% and be permanently deformed. Very dilute phosphoric, 1 part to 20 water or dilute muriatic 1 part to 25 water or straight vinegar to 50/50 vinegar is all that should be used, you could also dilute the acetic acid down to about 5% and it would be OK. In cases with minor fouling, general maintanence it is OK to just run them in a solution for 1-2 hrs. If it is more severe it is usually necessary to break down the rotor assembly and clean all parts with a brush. The off time is inconsequential but the on time needs to be at least an hour.

 

[Detrituss]

Excellent, thank-you Roger. By the way I am using vinegar diluted 50/50 with dH2O. I leave the glacial at work.