Coralline algae cleanup help

[ONEWAY]

I'm planning a big cleanup on my Tunze pumps that have a heavy coralline algae buildup. Is vinegar still the best way to go with a long soak Or is there something better anyone else out there using that is better? Thanks.


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[disc1]

Vinegar is the thing. Harder acids may do damage to parts of the pump and you don't want that. Plus you get the advantage that acetate chelates to calcium, making it a great way to dissolve calcium carbonate.

Something like oxalic acid may actually do a better job, if you happen to have it. Chances are you don't, and when you compare the cost to a gallon of vinegar it's a no-brainer.

[BonsaiNut]

If you are comfortable that the device you are cleaning will not react negatively with acid (i.e. getting coralline off a piece of glass) you can use pool acid. It will dissolve coralline instantly. I would recommend diluting it first, and safety comes first when working with strong acid.

[DustinB]

A 5 hour soak in 5 parts water to 1 part vinegar will loosen up coraline nicely. Should wipe away with a brush.

[Runfrumu]

Just use vinegar. Microwave it so it gets hot but not boiling hot, and it works a lot faster.

[ONEWAY]

Thanks for the help guys.


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