What do you use to clean pumps?

[patrockp]

as I have yet to see it mentioned, I use an ultrasonic cleaner with vinegar. Works quite well for me.

 

[dmw913]

Citric acid in tap water. Toothbrush, rinse, done.

 

[JVU]

I use vinegar full strength. I keep a sealable 5g bucket with it, reuse many times over several years. I've never had a problem with mold or other obvious degradation. Every 6 months I can strain out the debris and keep using it. If it's an optional part with lots of coralline algae I soak overnight, then toothbrush scrub, rinse with water, and put back in service. If it's a mission-critical part (where I don't let it get as much buildup), soak for 30 min, then scrub, wash, and put back in.

I use muriatic acid for my swimming pool, which I maintain, so I'm familiar with it. The pH is lower (which is helpful) and it's probably safe enough when diluted, but it's definitely not as safe out of the bottle, which you will be handling. Seems like a lot more worry and precaution than vinegar, which gets the job done and is much safer and lasts a very long time. I wouldn't put my hand in HCl (muriatic acid), so I don't use it for cleaning my reef equipment where I'm handing the items.

Bonus: using vinegar reminds me of salt and vinegar chips, yum.

 

[Doubbler]

Take the pump out, take it apart, clean it in the sink, put back. Less than 10 min. I pick a piece of equipment once a week to clean. Makes everything last longer. Takes less time, and no chemicals or vinegar.

 

[Ocelaris]

Where do you get citric acid in bulk? I know tunze sells it, but is that a powder as the container seemed small? What's the dissolving power of citric acid versus vinegar, and why is it supposedly safer on rubber than vinegar?

Also I've handled muriatic acid and sodium hydroxide before, way back in the kati/Ani di days before ro was big. That stuff is no joke, and I'm just not up for the danger factor. Vinegar works fine for me, but I'm interested in knowing more about people's use of citric acid.

 

[Robink]

Straight vinegar also, soak about 30 minutes, scrub, rinse and back in. I do one pump at a time to keep the water circulating.

 

[120reefkeeper]

I also use muratic acid. It works very quickly and if you use common sense it won't harm a thing. I buy mine from a local hardware store.

 

[Flameback Pair]

Citric acid, get it in bulk. Cheaper than vinegar in the long run.

Where to get in bulk? How does cost compare to vinegar? Will it form mold like vinegar?

 

[Flameback Pair]

Randy, could you mix some amount of garlic oil or tea tree oil with a vinegar and water solution to act as an anti-microbial?

 

[ChuzUThisDay]

Citric acid in tap water. Toothbrush, rinse, done.

What mixture of citric acid to water do you use?

 

[Dilan Patel]

what brand of muriatic acid works. Any type or specific brand.

 

[dmw913]

What mixture of citric acid to water do you use?

@ChuzUThisDay , it's pretty darn technical I'm embarrassed to say. I toss in a handful of the citric acid powder. EEEEEP

 

[dmw913]

Where to get in bulk? How does cost compare to vinegar? Will it form mold like vinegar?

https://www.amazon.com/Citric-Acid-...00522971&sr=8-1&keywords=citric+acid+powdered

 

[ChuzUThisDay]

@ChuzUThisDay , it's pretty darn technical I'm embarrassed to say. I toss in a handful of the citric acid powder. EEEEEP

Ok, thanks.

Sure hope my hands are similar in size to yours....lol

 

[anthonywesty]

What precaution should you take when using muriatic acid? I am looking for something better and quicker!

Just soak the pumps with RO water. Some discus breeders use muriatic acid to lower ph.

That will not remove calcium carbonate deposits.

 

[Fritzhamer]

I use about a half teaspoon to one liter of water. I'm sure the Tunze citric acid has recommended measurements but that's what I use.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

what brand of muriatic acid works. Any type or specific brand.

All work fine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Randy, could you mix some amount of garlic oil or tea tree oil with a vinegar and water solution to act as an anti-microbial?

Possibly, but I'd just use straight vinegar.

 

[HOOPDEEZ]

If you use muriatic acid, pour the acid into the water, never add water to the acid. wear gloves eye protection long sleeves. I've only used it on my dry rock, I've never cleaned equipment with it before.

 

[donnievaz]

I usually use vinegar. If you throw a power head in with whatever you're soaking you'll get better and quicker results from the movement.