Cleaning EcoTech MP10/20/40's (or any other PH)

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

Hey guys and gals. I was wondering if any of you clean your MP powerheads? I use the little foam cover and clean it regularly, but want to clean the actual head. Do any of you ever take yours out and clean, or do you just leave it in and let it grow coraline? Alternatively, I also have an old Sonicare Toothbrush that I could just clean it with while it's inside the tank. Not sure if that would kick up too much debris...

[FranktheTankTx]

Never owned a MP (though on the wish list), but I always cleaned my powerheads. I like everything spotless clean - which leads to a life of work in the reefkeeping hobby.

I always took mine out every month & soaked them in vinegar & water for 30 minutes & then used a toothbrush on them. In 45 minutes, they were spotless & ready for another month of use.

[Zebodog]

I pull the wetside on my mp40w ever 6-8 weeks for dis-assembly and cleaning however I don't use the sponge. I find the coralline growth can impede performance, especially when built up on the prop.

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

thanks for the tips. i think i'll pull off the head and do a nice cleaning during my WC this weekend.

[sjm817]

I have 3 Vortechs and one spare wet side. When cleaning, I remove the wetside, replace it with the spare. I then disassemble and soak the dirty one in 100% white vinegar overnight. In the morning, put it back together and replace another dirty one. Repeat the process till they are all done.

I dont use the foam covers.

[Dyraxe]

What about a 5% Muriatic acid solution mixed with water? I use 100% vinegar and soak over night but would the acid work faster and will it damage anything? Will rinsing with water alone be enough to make it reef safe after the soak?

[sjm817]

I'm sure diluted muriatic acid would work. I dont know enough about the strength of it to say what is safe and what is not.

[sreefs]

I clean monthly

[sreefs]

I agree with Scott, I do this also. I have 3 Vortechs and one spare wet side. When cleaning, I remove the wetside, replace it with the spare. I then disassemble and soak the dirty one in 100% white vinegar overnight. In the morning, put it back together and replace another dirty one. Repeat the process till they are all done. Every 5 weeks.

I dont use the foam covers.
Pat

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

Those of you who don't use the foam covers... any reason why, or just aesthetics?

[sjm817]

Aesthetics, maintenance, reduced flow. I dont see a reason to use them.

[CorkPullerPHL]

I clean my PH's in Muriatic Acid. I've always used it in a 10:1 solution (water to Acid), but i'm sure 20:1 would work.

[Zebodog]

Those of you who don't use the foam covers... any reason why, or just aesthetics?

I don't have any reason to use it - maybe if I had some wandering critters that I was concerned about but I don't.

[DannyHennig]

Aesthetics, maintenance, reduced flow. I dont see a reason to use them.

Exactly the same here. If I had super expensive wandering anemones I might :hmm6: