Cleaning Used Equipment

[Kolbyk]

Hello all, I’m curious on some of the methods used out there when buying or receiving used equipment, how do you go about cleaning it before first time use in your tank? Thanks!

 

[Saltysav96]

citric acid is what i used to clean pumps, frag racks etc.. i recently bought some used lights and they were a bit dusty so i took the time to clean the dust off around the heat sink using a can of air and a old tooth brush.

amazon is the best place to get citric acid. you can use vinegar but sometimes can be a bit rough on equipment. citric acid works way better at removing coralline algae.

 

[Biglew11]

citric acid is what i used to clean pumps, frag racks etc.. i recently bought some used lights and they were a bit dusty so i took the time to clean the dust off around the heat sink using a can of air and a old tooth brush.

amazon is the best place to get citric acid. you can use vinegar but sometimes can be a bit rough on equipment. citric acid works way better at removing coralline algae.

^all of this^

 

[jhrightyhein]

A brief soak in bleach water, rinse and let dry. Rinse two more times and let dry. Worked good for me.

 

[jhrightyhein]

citric acid is what i used to clean pumps, frag racks etc.. i recently bought some used lights and they were a bit dusty so i took the time to clean the dust off around the heat sink using a can of air and a old tooth brush.

amazon is the best place to get citric acid. you can use vinegar but sometimes can be a bit rough on equipment. citric acid works way better at removing coralline algae.

I’ve heard citric acid works well. Never used myself.

 

[LeftyReefer]

citric acid. love the stuff.
my wavemakers can be completely covered in algae and coralline and after a soak in citric acid, they look brand new again.

 

[Kolbyk]

^all of this^

I’ve heard great things about citric acid as the go to! Thanks for the input!

 

[Kolbyk]

citric acid is what i used to clean pumps, frag racks etc.. i recently bought some used lights and they were a bit dusty so i took the time to clean the dust off around the heat sink using a can of air and a old tooth brush.

amazon is the best place to get citric acid. you can use vinegar but sometimes can be a bit rough on equipment. citric acid works way better at removing coralline algae.

A brief soak in bleach water, rinse and let dry. Rinse two more times and let dry. Worked good for me.

I’ve heard bleach as a good source but was hesitate on it, wasn’t sure the effects on pump seals and motors. Thanks for the input!

 

[Kolbyk]

citric acid. love the stuff.
my wavemakers can be completely covered in algae and coralline and after a soak in citric acid, they look brand new again.

Sounds like I will be picking some up!

 

[Kolbyk]

Has any one used vinegar and had luck with it working?

 

[Gtinnel]

I use diluted muriatic acid. It does a great job of removing any build up on equipment.

 

[Kolbyk]

I use diluted muriatic acid. It does a great job of removing any build up on equipment.

Ahh ok I assume it’s similar to citric acid?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Has any one used vinegar and had luck with it working?

vinegar is fine for a quick wash and scrub, but you can't let it soak, vinegar dries out rubber, basically it will ruin the o-rings. IMO bleach or citric acid is better, or you can buy some stuff such as Rowa Ezclean

 

[Gtinnel]

Ahh ok I assume it’s similar to citric acid?

It’s much stronger. You just have to be careful with it before diluting it with water because it is a strong acid.

 

[Kolbyk]

vinegar is fine for a quick wash and scrub, but you can't let it soak, vinegar dries out rubber, basically it will ruin the o-rings. IMO bleach or citric acid is better, or you can buy some stuff such as Rowa Ezclean

Ahh ok good to know!

 

[Kolbyk]

It’s much stronger. You just have to be careful with it before diluting it with water because it is a strong acid.

I’ll see what I can get locally and give it a try. Between the two, seems to be the go ticket!

 

[Gtinnel]

I’ll see what I can get locally and give it a try. Between the two, seems to be the go ticket!

Most big box hardware stores sell muriatic acid. I get mine from lowes. Just if you go with the muriatic acid remember to dilute it (I use 10 parts water to 1 part acid).
I will say that citric acid is probably safer to work with than muriatic but as long as you are careful with the muriatic acid then it’s safe also.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

citric acid is what i used to clean pumps, frag racks etc.. i recently bought some used lights and they were a bit dusty so i took the time to clean the dust off around the heat sink using a can of air and a old tooth brush.

amazon is the best place to get citric acid. you can use vinegar but sometimes can be a bit rough on equipment. citric acid works way better at removing coralline algae.

Yep. This.

 

[pecan2phat]

Diluted vinegar is fine as long as you avoid using it on any plastic encased magnets like a pump impeller.