What to expect - first time cleaning with citric acid

[clm65]

My powerheads are in need of cleaning - they are covered in coraline algae and some other hard growths - so I am going to try cleaning them with citric acid. If I've got the concentration right (I'm going to add a tablespoon to 1/2 gallon of water), should the stuff on the pump just dissolve away? Or am I going to have to scrub them? And if my planned concentration sounds too strong or too weak, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[themcfreak]

I usually soak them for about an hour (it looks cool if it isn't disturbed as the coralline dissolves). Then I have to scrub a little bit, but definitely not hard or a lot. Just to get the really stubborn parts.

 

[Billldg]

Every time I have used citric acid I just have to run it under water and the stuff just falls off. Then only time you may have to brush it is when their is a spot that just seems to hold onto it, like a corner or likewise.

 

[Homebrewer]

Which product are you using? BRS version is 3/4 cup per gallon.

Here’s a tip. Mix a gallon in a bucket, take the power head out, place the power head in the bucket, turn it back on. It cleans itself (and anything else you throw in there)

 

[clm65]

Awesome guys! I'm using the Milliard version from Amazon. My tank is built into a wall, and I did not make it easy to do some of the maintenance. There is enough slack in the pump cables to set them in a small gallon size bucket that will sit on the frame of the tank enclosure. So the least amount of scrubbing or otherwise disturbing the bucket, the better. I'm afraid to turn the pumps on for fear of spraying everything or dumping the bucket into the tank. Sounds like I can just let it sit for a while and dissolve away the growth. Also sounds like I may want to increase the dose?

 

[TriggerFinger]

You can add more, too much won’t hurt. It works better when dissolved in warm water also.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Don't leave it in too long, I've seen it get moldy.