cleaning time

[reef tank 2.0]

After my last fish / RBTA leave tonight, I will now be ready to tear the tank down and begin the cleaning process.

I was going to use vinegar/water to clean/soak parts and pieces, and then put in storage till I'm ready to use them. If I fill a bucket with 50/50 of water/vinegar, how long can this mixture last? I was going to place my powerheads/heaters, and whatever else will fit in the bucket; let them soak for a day or two, then continue with other items. At what point does the mixture become exhausted, or does it? I can guess if the water became very polluted, but from my experience in cleaning powerheads, the water is relatively clean. But I have never placed a lid on the bucket and saved it for another time. Is that do-able?

Filling a bucket and large tote with this solution to use now, and again later would certainly be ideal. No, vinegar isnt expensive, but why buy more if I don't need to

 

[mcgyvr]

A long time..

Use caution when soaking electrical items in vinegar even diluted.. It can soften electrical seals leading to failure..

 

[reef tank 2.0]

hmmm, didn't know that. Is there another option of soaking these items?

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

The epoxy they use to seal everything electrical can become affected by vinegar.
A 10 minute soak is advised to be safe.

 

[billdogg]

The epoxy they use to seal everything electrical can become affected by vinegar.
A 10 minute soak is advised to be safe.

^^^This^^^

And I prefer to let any pump run while in the soak to help dislodge the gunk, followed by a complete disassembly and air dry before putting it all back together for storage.

Impeller magnets can swell if left to long or if the solution is too strong as well.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

I let them run as well, but never only had them in for a max of 10 minutes. Now I know.