Cleaning used Powerheads

[torombolo]

So, I bought a few used Koralias for my 29. They are working just fine, but before I introduce to my system I would like to give a really good clean up. Besides the Vinegar/ Water solution and a tooth brush what would you suggest? They do have a Fresh Water tank smell to them.

Thanks in advance

 

[K7BMG]

I would use bleach myself.
One cup per gallon and let soak for a few hours, running of course.
Rinse twice, disassemble dry the parts with a paper towels and let air dry for 24 hours.

This is how I do cleaning of equipment.
This should sterilize the equipment and kill anything that may have been on it.

Vinegar is good for calcium and precipitated removal, but has no sterilization abilities.
Others may disagree with this but thats ok.
People will dose Vinegar in their tanks and it wont kill anything.
Try that with bleach.

 

[SuncrestReef]

Avoid vinegar. Citric acid is better for pumps because vinegar can penetrate certain plastics and corrode the embedded metals/magnets. See this article for details of the chemistry behind it:

Beware of Vinegar - The Pump Killer

I have posted bits and piece of my vinegar story over the past three years, and I thought it would be beneficial if one post contained all that I've learn. You'll be surprised! This story will contain three parts; my history with vinegar, the cause and simplified chemistry what's happening...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Mical]

Citric Acid hands down. I used vinegar for years, Randy Holmes recommended Citric acid and it works better than anything I've ever tried. And it's inexpensive.

 

[torombolo]

Would that be any food grade citric acid? The Bleach suggestion make a lot of sense too but I would go crazy with the rinsing process LOL

 

[K7BMG]

Would that be any food grade citric acid? The Bleach suggestion make a lot of sense too but I would go crazy with the rinsing process LOL

Rinse twice is all that's needed, its far more important to allow to thoroughly dry.
Bleach will disappear completely 100%
Citric acid will clean not sterilize. Ever drink Orange juice its full of it, did you live?

 

[Mical]

This is what I use ->

 

[X-37B]

I would use h2o2 before bleach. I use 34% on filter socks in place of bleach.
Citric acid for coralline removal.

 

[K7BMG]

I would use h2o2 before bleach. I use 34% on filter socks in place of bleach.
Citric acid for coralline removal.

Yes H2o2 will work as well but the 34% will cost you a heck of a lot more.
Just a quick Google search shows a price tag around $50 bucks a gallon.

 

[X-37B]

Yes H2o2 will work as well but the 34% will cost you a heck of a lot more.
Just a quick Google search shows a price tag around $50 bucks a gallon.

Whats $50 in this hobby, lol.
I get it at the hydro store for $32.
1 gallon goes along way and lasts me 3-4 months easily.
Bleach works fine I just dont like it.

 

[SuncrestReef]

Would that be any food grade citric acid? The Bleach suggestion make a lot of sense too but I would go crazy with the rinsing process LOL

This is the citric acid I use:

Milliard Citric Acid 10 Pound - 100% Pure Food Grade