Cleaning equipment

domination2580 · Dec 25, 2015

I once saw a video of a cleaning solution that would get rid of old Coraline algae and calcium buildup on power heads and etc. What was the product and where can I get it?

Downbeach · Dec 25, 2015

I use plain white vinegar, either full strength or diluted. Place the PH's in the solution and allow them to run for a while.

BigKid4788 · Dec 25, 2015

White vinegar full strength

domination2580 · Dec 25, 2015

Wasn't there a product you could buy?

Downbeach · Dec 25, 2015

Well, you have to buy the vinegar, ~ $1.50 for a gallon at the grocery store. There isn't anything that is better or safer to use, and does a great job.

143MPCo · Dec 25, 2015

Citric acid used for years by the Navy to clean out whatever, they also use it in breweries and it taste pretty good if you happen to splash it on yourself unlike vinegar.

Of course vinegar will work. Even diluted and is my goto but I also like the citric acid just a little bit better works a little bit faster my opinion.

And if you want something that works faster than anything, muriatic acid, extremely fast working but you got to be careful of the stuff and not splash on you or breathe in the fumes.

And the one I think you're looking for is called Hydors Magi Klean (not worth it in my opinion).

domination2580 · Dec 25, 2015

Would muriatic avoid take off Coraline?

143MPCo · Dec 25, 2015

it removes all forms of calcium build up, so no it wouldn't.
The powers-heads come out looking almost like new once dipped.

domination2580 · Dec 25, 2015

OK well I want the algae off

redfishbluefish · Dec 25, 2015

Yes. Muriatic acid is diluted Hydrochloric acid. Don't be fooled by diluted....it's still highly corrosive and will burn skin and eat through clothing. It is much stronger than vinegar (acetic acid). Handle and dispose of it with care.

domination2580 · Dec 25, 2015

Agreed. I have used it multiple times before. I just bought the hydro Magi Klein...just to see if it works....I will post the outcome when it arrives and I clean everything

143MPCo · Dec 25, 2015

redfishbluefish said:
Yes. Muriatic acid is diluted Hydrochloric acid. Don't be fooled by diluted....it's still highly corrosive and will burn skin and eat through clothing. It is much stronger than vinegar (acetic acid). Handle and dispose of it with care.

I was just typing something similar thank you Paul!!

AZDesertRat · Dec 25, 2015

Undiluted distilled white vinegar for me. It is a great cleaner and very safe and only like $2.50 for a two gallon jug at the grocery. I leave it full strength to soak pumps and powerheads the strain it through a paint filter, old pair of pantyhose or a paper towel and pour it back in the jug for next time. Lasts over a year for me before the pH starts to weaken and its not as effective. Pour it down the drain and get another.

SROPE · Dec 25, 2015

You might be thinking of Tunz citric acid cleaner. Save a ton of money and use vinegar works great.

domination2580 · Dec 30, 2015

So what do I need to do the vinegar soak on some powerheads? Straight vinegar or a mixture

AZDesertRat · Dec 30, 2015

Undiluted works better and faster since you have not raised the pH by adding water. Either way works but I prefer to leave it straight then strain it , pour it back in the jug and use it over and over.
I have a 2 gallon or so bucket and a 1 gallon or smaller size, both from the 99 cent store I use depending on the pump size or number being soaked.

domination2580 · Jan 3, 2016

So I did the vinegar bath on a small Powerhead it did the trick but had to scrub at it...I just got the Magi klean last night, put it in and added a slightly bigger power head and within minutes I saw a Lot of Coraline and algae come off....I was very impressed and will continue to use this product

klesel · Jan 3, 2016

I use muritic acid and mix water works great just don't get it on your skin or breathe in fumes .

domination2580 · Jan 4, 2016

OK guys, so I did test out the hydro Magi klean and all I can say is I'm insanely impressed. The first test I did was on a small Powerhead with not as much gunk but I performed a vinegar bath. It did pretty good but after one night of soaking I still had to scrub with a toothbrush pretty hard to get it to come off. The second test I did was with a bigger Powerhead with twice as much Coraline and gunk on it and I let it soak overnight In Hydro Magi Klean. Almost all of it is clean. When I take the toothbrush I barely have to apply any pressure and it easily wipes away. No effort at all. I highly recommend hydro Magi klean! Best thing I've used so far!