Vinegar cleaning

[Waters]

I am in the process of completely redoing my 105G reef tank and starting over with new rock, coral, etc. I am being told that I can run a 10% vinegar/tap water solution through the tank for a couple of days to completely clean all the pumps, pipes, coralline, etc. Afterwards, I would run another couple of days with just plain water. Anybody see any issues with doing this? I am worried specifically about things like the apex probes, UV, etc. Anything that the vinegar solution could harm?

 

[scottedontknow]

You need some Citric Acid. Its a lot less harmful on any seals/gaskets

 

[Leadfooted]

I am in the process of completely redoing my 105G reef tank and starting over with new rock, coral, etc. I am being told that I can run a 10% vinegar/tap water solution through the tank for a couple of days to completely clean all the pumps, pipes, coralline, etc. Afterwards, I would run another couple of days with just plain water. Anybody see any issues with doing this? I am worried specifically about things like the apex probes, UV, etc. Anything that the vinegar solution could harm?

I think most are turning away from Vinegar in our hobby. Hindsight’s showing all sorts of issues with pumps in particular. Citric Acid is becoming the preffered cleaning ingredient.

 

[Waters]

Ok....so regardless of the type of acid (I know some are safer than others) it is safe to run an acid through your system with all of your equipment remaining in place?

 

[Deep dive coral]

Yes it is possible as long as the mix is correct.

 

[redfishbluefish]

My recommendation would be citric acid....good prices on eBay or Amazon. Also check out these two links:

Link 1

Link 2

Please, no rock or sand in the tank when you acid clean...only tank and equipment.

 

[Waters]

Perfect...thanks everyone. No, definitely no rock or sand. Everything has been removed...just looking to clean the tank and equipment prior to starting over. Figured running the tank with 100 gallons of water and some acid would be the best option to clean everything...including the hard to reach places like PVC and overflows. I was worried about the Apex probes but it looks like those can be cleaned that same way.

 

[Deep dive coral]

Perfect...thanks everyone. No, definitely no rock or sand. Everything has been removed...just looking to clean the tank and equipment prior to starting over. Figured running the tank with 100 gallons of water and some acid would be the best option to clean everything...including the hard to reach places like PVC and overflows. I was worried about the Apex probes but it looks like those can be cleaned that same way.

Yes I soak my probes every month to keep them crystal clean. Just make sure you recalibrate after soaking.