Sterilizing.

[reeferkeeper420]

Whats the best way to sterilize and clean my aquarium equipment. I need to clean my skimmer, return, powerheads, miscelanous pumps, a couple pvc valves. Its coming out of my old system and into a new one so i want eliminate any nuissance algae, aiptasia, etc. Thanks.
Riley

 

[Shooter000]

Vinegar, bleach or rubbing alcohol I would say, vinegar being the safest

 

[Cliff]

Murattic acid

 

[yveterinarian]

I always soak in vinegar to remove any lime that can have built up, then I sterilize with bleach mixed with water and neutralize that with Prime. This way I know for sure I have done the best I can to eliminate any unwanted pests. It has always worked for me and my seahorses have so far remained healthy for the extra precautions I took.

 

[Luke.]

Agree with @Shooter000 .

 

[Pipes]

Murattic acid

Muriatic acid will eat plastic. Been there, done that.

I'd say vinegar, chlorine, or peroxide.

 

[Pistol]

m

Muriatic acid will eat plastic. Been there, done that.

I'd say vinegar, chlorine, or peroxide.

muriatic acid comes in plastic jugs

 

[Cliff]

I have cleaned EVERYTHING with murattic acid. If diluted properly it is safe. I have never had it cause any problems and I have cleaned dozens of complete systems with it everything from piping to skimmers to acrylic tanks. All without a problem. But hey if u wanna scrub go ahead and use vinegar lol

 

[shamous113]

I have cleaned EVERYTHING with murattic acid. If diluted properly it is safe.

What ratio do you use for cleaning?

 

[Pistol]

I've used it 10:1 water: acid, always add acid to water.

 

[Cliff]

Yep 10:1 works great

 

[shamous113]

thanks

 

[reeferkeeper420]

Where do you get the acid?

 

[shamous113]

Pool store or Canadian tire.

 

[Pipes]

m

muriatic acid comes in plastic jugs

Guess it depends on the plastic. We were soaking water softener control heads to remove iron. Turned it into swiss cheese.