Cleaning powerheads....how?

[Speg]

I think I heard that you can put some vinegar in a mix of fresh water to clean a pump? Is this the best way? I have a pump that isn't preforming like it should...need to do a cleanin :nerd:

 

[soccerbag]

Yep, you got it. White distilled vinegar (half and half with water). Although I usually do 75% vinegar and 25% water. Let it all soak for about an hour. This will help loosed the coraline and should allow you to clean everything off easily.

I clean all of my powerheads this way every month and feel that it definitely helps the longevity of the pumps!

 

[Speg]

So, after the soak, am I supposed to run it through fresh water again (without the vinegar)? I mean, you don't want the vinegar going into the tank right?

 

[MoneyPit]

I heard to use str8 vinegar, and let it soak for 24 hours but I haven't tried soaking of any kind.

 

[Tyrrell109]

So, after the soak, am I supposed to run it through fresh water again (without the vinegar)? I mean, you don't want the vinegar going into the tank right?

I would flush it with fresh water a couple times(makes sense to do so).

 

[soccerbag]

So, after the soak, am I supposed to run it through fresh water again (without the vinegar)? I mean, you don't want the vinegar going into the tank right?

Yes, rinse it off well with tap water and towel dry them. Or you can rinse in RO water and then straight back into the tank. Don't think too much into it...lol. Let them soak, take a clean sponge or brush and clean off all of the parts well, put it back together, and turn it back on. Hope that helps. : )

 

[Speg]

It does help...a lot! Thanks a lot fellas. Going to give this a try tomorrow.

 

[MoneyPit]

Here's a video if it helps YouTube - LimpitsReef's Channel

 

[Speg]

Here's a video if it helps YouTube - LimpitsReef's Channel

Awesome video..I can't believe I've never done this before

 

[MoneyPit]

Yea that guy has a great channel.

 

[Harry_Y]

I usually take a bucket put 50/50 water and vinegar
and let them run it the bucket for an hr or so

Take them out, take them apart and
run over the tough spots with a toothbrush.

Rinse and re assemble

(The water/vinegar will warm up from the heat of the power heads.)

 

[NanoNano]

Yeah I can't believe I haven't done it either. Need to try this out.

 

[gparr]

Dismantle the pumps, soak in white vinegar, rinse off with tap water, reassemble, put back into service. I like to dismantle the pumps so I can remove the impeller shaft to allow vinegar to clean the inside of the impeller. Deposits build up and will slow even a clean impeller shaft.
Gary

 

[Rayzback]

I keep a bucket with a lid and reuse the vinegar.... it's also great for cleaning glass.