Cleaning Used tank Hardware

porschefan · 02/06/2008, 02:20 PM

Hi Guys

I have a few pieces of hardware for my new 55 gal tank that are used (and hopefully soon a skimmer from a member in the used h/w section)

I've tried to do a search on here, but the search function hasn't worked since i joined.

What i would like to know is what is the best thing to clean used equipment with. Obviously it will have been exposed to salt water, so can i just use a clean water and vinegar?

And if so, white vinegar? and what dilution with water.

I keep reading its best not to use household chemicals so i'm assuming this would be a natural and safe cleaning agent.

Cheers

gws76 · 02/06/2008, 02:26 PM

I would use the vinegar and water, but let it soak overnight. It's worked for me. Yes, white vinegar. Usually, if the job is not to big, I go 50/50, with the vinegar and water. Don't use household cleaning agents, they could contaminate your system.

dileggi · 02/06/2008, 02:27 PM

White vinegar and hot water is what I've been reading. But, I have not noticed anything posted on what ratio to use.

indydog1 · 02/06/2008, 02:59 PM

i used 2 gal white vinegar in a 5 gal bucket, parts to be cleaned, top off with reg water to fill bucket. worked like a champ. i let it sit for 3 days and then wiped everything clean. good luck to you.

tmz · 02/06/2008, 03:16 PM

Vinegar at about 50-50 works for me, If you can submerge the item let it soalk overnight, rinse it and brush with a toothbrush. It it's too large to submerge, dab it with a sponge and let it stay wet, then dab it again clean and so on. Rinse the items before use and there should be no problem. Vinegar is not toxic but is acidic and too much in the tank will drop your ph or overfeed bacteria who will consume it.

jamiep · 02/06/2008, 04:11 PM

I have to admit I have never used vinegar. I always use milton fluid. I don't know if you can get it in the USA but its child's seralization fluid (for babys bottles and stuff) Just soak the stuff in it for 30mins, give it a quick scrub, rinse in pure water, hey presto!

porschefan · 02/06/2008, 05:27 PM

Thanks guys

Bucket'o'vinegar it is then, i know Costco do buckets of the stuff so i'll be going there.

@jamiep As a brit, i was trawling all over the place looking for Milton when my sis and here young ones came over to visit. Never did find any, can't remember what she used instead.

02/06/2008, 02:20 PM	#1
porschefan Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 66	Cleaning Used tank Hardware Hi Guys I have a few pieces of hardware for my new 55 gal tank that are used (and hopefully soon a skimmer from a member in the used h/w section) I've tried to do a search on here, but the search function hasn't worked since i joined. What i would like to know is what is the best thing to clean used equipment with. Obviously it will have been exposed to salt water, so can i just use a clean water and vinegar? And if so, white vinegar? and what dilution with water. I keep reading its best not to use household chemicals so i'm assuming this would be a natural and safe cleaning agent. Cheers

02/06/2008, 02:26 PM	#2
gws76 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: El Reno, OK Posts: 1,691 Blog Entries: 2	I would use the vinegar and water, but let it soak overnight. It's worked for me. Yes, white vinegar. Usually, if the job is not to big, I go 50/50, with the vinegar and water. Don't use household cleaning agents, they could contaminate your system. __________________ "Let there be Rock!" ~ Bon Scott 2010-2011 COMAS POTM Chairman Current Tank Info: 150 gal. Starphire Mixed Reef

02/06/2008, 02:27 PM	#3
dileggi Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: S. Philly PA Posts: 1,171	White vinegar and hot water is what I've been reading. But, I have not noticed anything posted on what ratio to use. __________________ Eric "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled, was convincing the world he didn't exist." - Usual Suspects Current Tank Info: 90g w/30g sump; skimmer; 2x175w MH & 2x super white actinic...3g w/.5g fuge 1x150w MH Viper

02/06/2008, 02:59 PM	#4
indydog1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: round lake, il Posts: 1,590	i used 2 gal white vinegar in a 5 gal bucket, parts to be cleaned, top off with reg water to fill bucket. worked like a champ. i let it sit for 3 days and then wiped everything clean. good luck to you. __________________ Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself Current Tank Info: 210 gal

02/06/2008, 03:16 PM	#5
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Vinegar at about 50-50 works for me, If you can submerge the item let it soalk overnight, rinse it and brush with a toothbrush. It it's too large to submerge, dab it with a sponge and let it stay wet, then dab it again clean and so on. Rinse the items before use and there should be no problem. Vinegar is not toxic but is acidic and too much in the tank will drop your ph or overfeed bacteria who will consume it. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

02/06/2008, 04:11 PM	#6
jamiep Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ireland Posts: 458	I have to admit I have never used vinegar. I always use milton fluid. I don't know if you can get it in the USA but its child's seralization fluid (for babys bottles and stuff) Just soak the stuff in it for 30mins, give it a quick scrub, rinse in pure water, hey presto!

02/06/2008, 05:27 PM	#7
porschefan Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 66	Thanks guys Bucket'o'vinegar it is then, i know Costco do buckets of the stuff so i'll be going there. @jamiep As a brit, i was trawling all over the place looking for Milton when my sis and here young ones came over to visit. Never did find any, can't remember what she used instead.