Intake strainer turning white

[Andrew]

The intake strainer part on my 6060 stream is going from black to white. I've been cleaning it often but the color is just changing.

 

[rvitko]

Are you using anything stronger than vinegar? Strong acids will do this. If I want something really clean I first soak it in straight 5% white vinegar and then put it in the dishwasher. Of course you cant do that with the motor but the screen may just have some build up and provided it doesn't get on the heater in the dishwasher this will clean it up like new with no harm.

 

[Andrew]

All I've been cleaning it with is water from the sink. No vinger used.

 

[rvitko]

Try soaking it in vinegar. It sounds like dead coralline or a mineral deposit.

 

[Andrew]

I'll try that but I know it's not coraline since the tank's only a week old and I haven't even started adding calcium to the water yet. Should I do half water/half vinegar.

 

[rvitko]

That would be fine, let it soak for a few hours.