Do's - and do not's - for cleaning ATO reservoir?

[NigelRichardson]

[New reefer - only been up and running 2 months - so apologies is this is dumb question]

I have noticed some (minor to date) algae in my ATO reservoir. Nothing green, but definitely something slimy. Clearly a bad thing, and something I want to clean out.

What's the best way / thing to use - or not use - to give the whole reservoir a thorough clean?

[I'm using 0 TDS water for the ATO, and the whole sump is in a cabinet, so mostly in pitch dark, but I have found flies (Thats Australia for you) and other things in the sump on odd occasions - something's contaminated and I'd like to thoroughly clean before it causes a problem)

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Ya my ato gets slimy too. Cleaning with vinegar is my go to

 

[Nick Steele]

What are you using as a container? I use a 5G bucket and when it’s empty I will just give it a quick wipe down and rinse then reuse it.

 

[Snoopy 67]

Vinegar first, if that does not do it then a soak with bleach.
A good rinse with dechlorinator & sun dry.

 

[Mical]

I use citric acid mixed w/RO thoroughly rinse it and refill with RODI water

 

[NigelRichardson]

What are you using as a container? I use a 5G bucket and when it’s empty I will just give it a quick wipe down and rinse then reuse it.

Actually a separate compartment that was built into my sump for me. Seemed like a great idea at the time - but now I'm thinking that a separate container would have made maintenance easier....

 

[Snoopy 67]

The vinegar is the best bet then.
If it gets bad then I would use rubber gloves & peroxide, followed by a rinse.

 

[Nick Steele]

You could scrub it down with a sponge then go in siphon as much out and then refill.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I get that and clean with an algae sponge and rinse it out. You Can Safely use Vinegar