Cleaning return pump

[FireEMT]

Its time for me to clean my Vectra M1 pump for the first time. I was wondering what others do when they need to clean their return pump if they only have one? How long does it take and what do you do with your tank when you are cleaning your pump?

 

[tech4x4]

If the pump is calcified I would say to get an inexpensive backup like a mag or sicce and soak the main pump in a water/vinegar bath overnight. Otherwise if it's just a quick clean (15min) just pull it and clean it up, the water should have enough oxygen for a bit unless the tank is very heavily stocked.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Pull it out and soak it in undiluted distilled white vinegar for about one hour. A gallon of vinegar is less than $2 and lasts a long time if you do not dilute it, I strain the big stuff out and pour it back in the jug to use over and over until it loses its strength when I then pour it down the drain and get another.
When you dilute it you cut the strength so it takes much longer to clean and can't be saved.
Your tank should be just fine on wavemakers for an hour or two.

 

[FireEMT]

Great, thanks for the advice. I will give the full strength a try. The pump is still pretty clean but I want to make sure it stays that way so I'm not forced to soak it longer. Thanks again