Completely removing coraline from old tank

[David M.]

Hey all,
I have a red sea reefer 450 that I just broke down, I'm going to be transitioning over to freshwater for a while and am in the process of cleaning this thing up. Coraline is quickly becoming a problem child, how do you recommend removing any and all coraline from the tank/powerheads. Glass is easy, I can use a small razor to scrape it off, what's challenging so far is getting it off the powerhead (Gyre 130). The coraline is in all the little cracks and crevices. Any advice? I plan to do a full system vinegar soak starting tomorrow, and letting the tank run with a water/vinegar mixture for at least a few days but I'm not entirely sure this will help.

Thank you in advance!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I plan to do a full system vinegar soak starting tomorrow,

this. it will help. the higher concentration of vinegar the better. Id start with straight vinegar in a spray bottle.

 

[David M.]

this. it will help. the higher concentration of vinegar the better. Id start with straight vinegar in a spray bottle.

Hadn't thought of that, pretty good idea.

 

[143MPCo]

Vinegar.

But I'm impatient so I reach right for the muriatic acid; follow all safety precautions IF you go this route.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Vinegar.

But I'm impatient so I reach right for the muriatic acid; follow all safety precautions IF you go this route.

This make sure you are in open area and no other creatures around. Lots of gloves and mask too and glasses. I do vinegar, but I would rather wait and be lazy then go full throttle with the acid. Except with rock.

 

[143MPCo]

This make sure you are in open area and no other creatures around. Lots of gloves and mask too and glasses. I do vinegar, but I would rather wait and be lazy then go full throttle with the acid. Except with rock.

When it comes to cleaning I want to be done ASAP, but as noted, be safe about it!

You can also use Brewers Cleaner (Citric Acid powder) works just as fast and is testy!

 

[David M.]

Yea I think the acid will probably be a no-go from the wife (tank is inside and roughly 250lbs empty). Will the vinegar solution make the coraline flake off on its own, or just make it easy to rub off?

 

[DeniseAndy]

Easier to rub off really. Still will have some elbow grease needed.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yea I think the acid will probably be a no-go from the wife (tank is inside and roughly 250lbs empty). Will the vinegar solution make the coraline flake off on its own, or just make it easy to rub off?

if youve ever used lime a way its like that. spray soak wipe, spray soak scrape

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I soak my pumps etc in vinegar before I store them. I find it works well.

 

[wowkingjames]

Thanks for the info.