What is a 'reef-safe' solution for cleaning water pumps?

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#1
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#4
You will need to remove the pumps from the system to clean them. You can get citric acid on Amazon to clean the pumps. Put the pumps in a 5-gallon pal with regular water and citric acid and let them run for 30-60 minutes. They will come out brand new used.
 
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#5
You will need to remove the pumps from the system to clean them. You can get citric acid on Amazon to clean the pumps. Put the pumps in a 5-gallon pal with regular water and citric acid and let them run for 30-60 minutes. They will come out brand new used.
This is what I have been doing for 15 years. I put the bucket on the floor in front of my tank. That way I don't have to unplug everything.
 

All Delight

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#14
Huh, never used citric acid before always stuck by vinegar because that was like the go too ima try that next time. How long do u have to dip in citric acid before cleaning?
I used to use vinegar for years too! Then all my pumps (MP40's and Tunze) rusted after what I would think is a short time (2-3 years).

Citric acids works pretty fast, I'd say an hour, but I've also left it in overnight when I got unexpectedly busy. Plus you don't have to scrub much to get them clean, almost just wipes off.
 
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#15
I used to use vinegar for years too! Then all my pumps (MP40's and Tunze) rusted after what I would think is a short time (2-3 years).

Citric acids works pretty fast, I'd say an hour, but I've also left it in overnight when I got unexpectedly busy. Plus you don't have to scrub much to get them clean, almost just wipes off.
Didn’t know that Darrel been a vinegar user for ever I’m gonna have to try that citric acid


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JojosReef

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What concentration of citric acid is everyone using? I'm on amazon buying the powder. Thanks!
 

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