Tank equipment cleaning -- when?

[geno]

I was wondering if at some point in time it makes sense to do a thorough cleaning of the pumps, tubing, etc.?

 

[jhutto]

When they get crudded up with Coraline and junk, yes, you can take them apart and clean with a combination of vinegar and water. Let em soak and it comes right off with a brush. Take pumps apart and clean well. Rinse well and you are good to go.

 

[flyingarmy]

I would set up a schedule...I wouldn't wait till one fails.

I try to clean:
- Pumps every 6 months
- PHs every few months or when getting clogged
- Sump every 2 months, detris and debris
- Skimmer, ther than normal collection cup cleaning, every 2 months

 

[flyingarmy]

Used a PH pump...like a old MJ1200 that either filters the water through a membrane back into your sump or use an old canister filter. There are several DIY cleaners out there on different sites.

 

[flyingarmy]

That's why you use an old MJ.. As long as you aren't sucking shells, LRR through it you'll be fine. Most of my detris in the sump is organic sludge.

 

[dannybradley]

Here's an easy sump cleaner-

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8477891">http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8477891</a>

Also great at removing salt creep.

 

[tebriel]

DannyBradley;194730 wrote: Here's an easy sump cleaner-

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8477891">http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8477891</a>

Also great at removing salt creep.[/QUOTE]

Yes, because I really *needed* to buy more stuff :: grumbles then gets out his car keys :: That would be really handy to have around :P

 

[ralph atl]

DannyBradley;194730 wrote: Here's an easy sump cleaner-

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8477891">http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8477891</a>

Also great at removing salt creep.[/QUOTE]


that's what I use. I stick mine in a 12 gallon rubber maid recycle bin because it doesn't hold much water! It'll start shooting out when it over fills.

 

[geno]

Thanks for replies. At least Barbara and I benefited from your experience.

Regarding the pump -- I have an external pump (2 in fact); Should I hook them up to a prepared mixture of viniger and water and let it run for 15 minutes or so? Since pumps don't suck -- they push -- I guess I'll need to arrange it similar to the way it is plumbed now.

Also, can I reduce the algae build up in my chiller's return hose, if I use a black hose?

thanks,
-gene