Soaking Powerhead in vinegar

[Mikedawg8898]

How long should I let a Jebao PP-4 soak in a 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water solution? Is 8 hours enough? Pump is running on 100% while soaking

 

[Mikedawg]

How long should I let a Jebao PP-4 soak in a 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water solution? Is 8 hours enough? Pump is running on 100% while soaking

I only soak my equipment long enough to loosen up the stuff I'm trying to remove; some takes longer than others, but top time for me is an hour and then I use a toothbrush or credit card to clean off.
Looking at your screen name, any chance we could be related, lol?

 

[romperstomper]

I put mine in straight for around 10-20 mins to long can damage them , 8 hours is far to long IMO

 

[bryanfuel]

I got a jewelery ultrasonic cleaner that I use now. Pop a pump in there with a vinegar water mix, let it run for 5 minutes and the pump comes out like new.

 

[Chilli]

I did it with citric acid, a few spoons in water and let it work for aprox an hour - per pump

i made a video from (it works also without a magnetic stirrer):

 

[Mikedawg8898]

I only soak my equipment long enough to loosen up the stuff I'm trying to remove; some takes longer than others, but top time for me is an hour and then I use a toothbrush or credit card to clean off.
Looking at your screen name, any chance we could be related, lol?

Hahaha awesome name! And it’s just some regular green hair algae, no coralline or anything crazy yet. I guess I will see in about 30 minutes if it’s loose enough to get off.

 

[Mikedawg8898]

I put mine in straight for around 10-20 mins to long can damage them , 8 hours is far to long IMO

Wow I didn’t know it could damage them! Is there something that’s more pump friendly?

 

[Mikedawg8898]

I got a jewelery ultrasonic cleaner that I use now. Pop a pump in there with a vinegar water mix, let it run for 5 minutes and the pump comes out like new.

I’ll check it out!

 

[Mikedawg8898]

I did it with citric acid, a few spoons in water and let it work for aprox an hour - per pump

i made a video from (it works also without a magnetic stirrer):

How do you like citric acid compared to vinegar? Is it easier on the pumps? What are some benefits?

 

[bryanfuel]

How do you like citric acid compared to vinegar? Is it easier on the pumps? What are some benefits?

The main benefit of citric acid is that it’s better on the pumps.

 

[Chilli]

How do you like citric acid compared to vinegar? Is it easier on the pumps? What are some benefits?

Citric acid does not stink like vinegar and if you want a kick, just do something on the tongue ;Hilarious

 

[sfin52]

How long should I let a Jebao PP-4 soak in a 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water solution? Is 8 hours enough? Pump is running on 100% while soaking

I would use citric acid. Much better for your equipment

 

[Mikedawg8898]

Where do you buy citric acid at? I may want to try some next time I clean pumps

 

[Chilli]

i bought it on ebay in germany

 

[bryanfuel]

Where do you buy citric acid at? I may want to try some next time I clean pumps

Amazon has it. Pretty cheap too

 

[ndrwater]

Where do you buy citric acid at? I may want to try some next time I clean pumps

BRS sells it too. It's cheap and effective.
I learned the hard way about vinegar.. citric acid is the way to go

 

[Mikedawg8898]

Awesome! Thank you everyone! I also took my pump out of vinegar just now and the algae came right off with a toothbrush. I will be buying citric acid and trying it out next time I clean the pump

 

[robbyg]

Just in case someone reading this thread does not fully understand why vinegar is bad for pumps. Here is a link to the post that opened our eyes to the issue.

Vinegar the pump killer

Rob

 

[Leadfooted]

Those using citric acid, what portion do you mix with water when soaking/cleaning and do you need to use gloves?

 

[Mikedawg8898]

Those using citric acid, what portion do you mix with water when soaking/cleaning and do you need to use gloves?

I uxed the BRS recommended amount of 3/4 cup per gallon and let them run in the mix for 2 hours. then rinsed them off with RODI to get any acid off and scrubbed with a tooth brush. i did not wear gloves but also not sure whether its needed or not