Cleaning Calcified equipment

[Montrosereef]

I found the sponge in my eheim pump is rock hard. It looks calcified. I was surprised the pump is still running. All of my other equipment seem to be calcified. I recall dosing calcium agreesively and still couldn't keep it up. I found my magnesium was low. Is this caused by low magnesium? I need to adviod this in the future. I have days of cleaning to do. My return pump runs through a chiller and it appears to be slowing down. I wonder if I need to clean inside the chiller. Any way to clean it fast and safe?

 

[kschweer]

I would use distilled vinegar. It's cheap and should do the job. Hope that helps

 

[Montrosereef]

Thanks! How long should I let it run if using undiluted distilled vinegar?

 

[kschweer]

If its really bad I would give it an hour then check on it. If it is not better go a little longer. I use about a 1 to 1 mix for cleaning my pumps and power heads

 

[Knarf]

Does anyone know what a safe magnesium and alkalinity levels are and how we can safely adjust the levels accordingly

 

[Mike O'Brien]

First raise mag to 1350 or so, then raise calcium and alkalinity together to 400 ppm and 8-9 dKH

 

[xthunderx]

I leave things soaking in 50/50 water/vinegar overnight. For something like a return, I would do full strength for an hour or two, since you want to get it up and running as soon as possible.