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

[NickleCheese]

I have several pumps running (return pump, reactor pump) for my tank, 10 years old at least. Do you know any reef-safe solution so I can just throw it into the tank?
I'm thinking about purchasing this : https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pump-clean-aquarium-equipment-cleaner-sicce.html
Not sure if it's reef & fish safe.

Thank everyone for the input!

 

[jessesoto33]

No such thing, you must take pumps apart and clean Inside. Good old fashion vinegar


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[mattyzang]

pretty sure the sicce stuff is just citric acid rebranded with a hobby premium

get you some milliard

 

[Sold4JC]

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.

 

[pledosophy]

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]

10 years without cleaning? Heck at this point just leave them, you're liable to clean them and then they wont work anymore.

 

[NickleCheese]

The main return pump i

10 years without cleaning? Heck at this point just leave them, you're liable to clean them and then they wont work anymore.

I just took over the tank and began Reefing last year

 

[b1van]

Vinegar dip and a lot of scrubbing

 

[jrrob98]

citric acid ... amazon

 

[All Delight]

Vinegar dip and a lot of scrubbing

I would avoid vinegar, it's very harsh. Citric acid works much quicker and is less corrosive.


Amazon link to citric acid

 

[b1van]

I would avoid vinegar, it's very harsh. Citric acid works much quicker and is less corrosive.


Amazon link to citric acid

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?

 

[Letsgotothezoo]

Don't use vinegar. Vinegar is not good. Use citric acid food grade...better.

 

[NickleCheese]

I would avoid vinegar, it's very harsh. Citric acid works much quicker and is less corrosive.


Amazon link to citric acid

Thank you for the link. I’ve placed an order. Hopefully, the 10 year old return pumps will not be broken after cleaning it lol

 

[All Delight]

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.

 

[jessesoto33]

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]

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