How to clean GFO gunk from reactor?

[Miami Reef]

It seems like the water output is not flowing evenly through the GFO.

Here’s my reactor. The holes seem plugged. Even with water and a toothbrush.

This tubing is pretty nasty, too.

I’m honestly looking for a solution I can flow through the reactor (outside of the tank) to dissolve the gunk from the reactor and tubing.

I actually might just replace the tubing. But I need to dissolve the gunk that’s clogging the plastic cap.

Thank you.

@Randy Holmes-Farley

 

[BairCorals]

Citric acid is always a go to for any of my cleaning needs. Use it on pumps, reactors, and skimmers every 6 months or so. If you have a spare pump, you could run it through it for a while then scrubbing that stuff will just fall off

 

[dwest]

I don’t like GFO “reactors” in part because of the problem you describe. I now use some in a high flow area in a bag.

It works better for me.

 

[ptrusk]

Yes citric acid. I would also replace that tube with a larger one. Maybe the nipple too if you can get it out.

 

[ptrusk]

1/2" ro tubing and guest fittings

 

[MnFish1]

Another reactor type would help -with bigger inlet/outlet tubing. Silicone tubing would also help. I do not see the 'plugging' you're talking about. Without knowing whether that is the intake or the output - hard to say

 

[Miami Reef]

Another reactor type would help -with bigger inlet/outlet tubing. Silicone tubing would also help. I do not see the 'plugging' you're talking about. Without knowing whether that is the intake or the output - hard to say

I love you. You always give the best advice. I stupidly connected the reactor to my return pump, thinking it would save me from using another pump. I had to change the plumbing because I didn’t know how to connect those thick fittings to standard PVC. Dum Dum of me.

I’m going to change the reactor inlets and outlets back to the original, and use the sicce pump it came with.