Cleaning Aquarium equipment

[chas84]

Hi everyone,

I've recently bought a bunch of tanks, heaters, pumps, etc. from a fellow hobbyist and would like to get advice on removing the (limescale?) buildup.

I can't seem to find any "how to's" on this - find loads on descaling kettles, etc.

[veegal]

A vinegar and water solution usually works quite well. Just be sure to rinse off well before using the tank.

[chas84]

Tx Vee. I've considered this. Parhaps filling a 5l plastic bucket with 50/50 solution of vinegar and water, then soak the parts that need descaling.

Just in case I don't rinse the equipment properly, what are the consequences, and will the vinegar residue eventually go away?

[butcherman]

nothing much vinigar will lower your ph in the water i think if its not rinsed off properly

[solex69]

Quite correct, vinegar & some lukewarm to hot water removes almost all crap.

If you get real stubborn marks/build-up, try some lemon juice & hot water....worked for me before

Cheers
Dale

[Fish Fantasy]

You could also use ph down solution, it works like a bomb! Like your Sera ph down or Tetra ph down or the cheap fong cong stuff! :)

[Henk Hugo]

You could also use ph down solution, it works like a bomb!

which is normally vinigar or citric acid

[Zafgak]

Guys and Gals - If you see a product that has Acetic or Citric Acid as a base remember
Acetic Acid = Vinegar
Citric Acid = Lemon Juice

So don't pay extra for brand name goods....

[Fish Fantasy]

True! true! don't pay extra for brand names go for the lemon or vinegar but if you do have extra ph down that you will never use again like myself then finish it off on the lime scale, (re-phrased) :)

[chas84]

Thanks guys (and gals) for the advice. So I was off to Makro yesterday to get a wholesale drum of vinegar and it seemed to do the trick. soaked the things and now (most of the items) looks almost new.

[veegal]

Great to hear it worked so well for you! PICS! :D

[Fish Fantasy]

That's brilliant! I'm glad to hear that they came out sparkling.

[chas84]

I'll see if I can post some pics a bit later on.