tank OK while cleaning powerheads?

NedFlounders · 08/11/2016, 05:49 AM

I need to clean both of my powerheads in the tank. I'd like to take them out, scrub the insides and vinegar soak them overnight. Should I simply do one of them at a time? Or will one night of low to no flow be ok for the tank without powerheads?

gone fishin · 08/11/2016, 06:17 AM

I would guess the tank would be fine. But, if in doubt do one at a time. It may not take as long as you think to clean them up. Mine usually soak for a couple hours and they are good to go. Good luck.

ReefsandGeeks · 08/11/2016, 06:27 AM

+1, Mine are typically good after a couple of hours. I normally take mine out when I get home from work and soak in vinegar for an hour or so, then scrub with a toothbrush, quick rinse and put back in. you're return pump, or other filtration would provide enough flow in the meantime. Overnight should be fine if desired, but I typically avoid making any changes overnight like the plague due to past experiences waking up in the middle of the night to see issues in the tank, and getting no sleep while the wife is angry at me for making so much noise at night working on the tank.

NedFlounders · 08/11/2016, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devastator007

and getting no sleep while the wife is angry at me for making so much noise at night working on the tank.

Yeah good to avoid! A year ago after we set up our 115 corner tank, I had a lot of explaining to do on why we needed ANOTHER tank for QT.

08/11/2016, 05:49 AM	#1
NedFlounders Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 239	tank OK while cleaning powerheads? I need to clean both of my powerheads in the tank. I'd like to take them out, scrub the insides and vinegar soak them overnight. Should I simply do one of them at a time? Or will one night of low to no flow be ok for the tank without powerheads?

08/11/2016, 06:17 AM	#2
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	I would guess the tank would be fine. But, if in doubt do one at a time. It may not take as long as you think to clean them up. Mine usually soak for a couple hours and they are good to go. Good luck. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

08/11/2016, 06:27 AM	#3
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	+1, Mine are typically good after a couple of hours. I normally take mine out when I get home from work and soak in vinegar for an hour or so, then scrub with a toothbrush, quick rinse and put back in. you're return pump, or other filtration would provide enough flow in the meantime. Overnight should be fine if desired, but I typically avoid making any changes overnight like the plague due to past experiences waking up in the middle of the night to see issues in the tank, and getting no sleep while the wife is angry at me for making so much noise at night working on the tank.