cleaning a heater from QT

[stadler51]

What should I clean my heater with after it has been in a QT tank with copper before it is safe to use in a reef tank?

[lordofthereef]

I would just soak it in some vinegar. Make sure there are no rubbery parts. I learned the hard wayt hat those absorbed the vinegar, become huge and distorted, and basically are trash if they are left soaking for too long.

[padi200]

In general, heaters are not that expensive and IMO it is worth having one for the QT and one for the display tank.

[lordofthereef]

In general, heaters are not that expensive and IMO it is worth having one for the QT and one for the display tank.

That is also a very good point. In a pinch though I am sure one can clean the "dirty" one off just fine.

[mwwhite]

Vinegar works great.

[garzaci]

Vinegar. Then rinse it with water and it should be fine.

[wooden_reefer]

The best wattage requirements for QT and DT are generally vastly different.

A stuck heater sized for DT will generally cook a QT fast.

[sedor]

A bleach/water mixture will also work just as an FYI if your in a pinch and don't have any vinegar on hand.

[stadler51]

thanks everybody, I will get another heater just to be safe.

[Ddanaher]

Vinegar works fine and those suction cups are 1.50 for a bunch of them.

[padi200]

Good choice, it is easier and good to have a another one as a back up anyway.

[bertoni]

Bleach won't remove copper, so I'd stick with vinegar. Bleach is good for killing pathogens, though.

[padi200]

Bleach, vinegar, why bother? Just get another heater? seriously, they cost less than most corals and it is not worth any risk for something like a heater.
Many of us change them every few years just to be safe.
Seriously, get another and don't bother with the cleaning!

[padi200]

Jager heater between 20 and 30 dollars online. They are decent