Alexander1312
Supporting Member
Has anyone used this to clean pumps etc, vs the other acids we typically use? It is supposed to work very well. Not sure where to purchase this or any side effects.
Sulfamic acid to clean pumps?
- Thread starter Alexander1312
- Start date
RandyC
Supporting Member
Never heard anyone using it for reefing.
Usually used to clean tile, grout or stone. Also used for descaling and removing rust. Can be included in household cleaning agents. It’s a stronger acid than citric acid, but definitely safer than hydrochloric acid. But it can cause skin irritation and sometimes fumes can irritate respiratory system. Citric acid is the “safer” of the two.
Usually used to clean tile, grout or stone. Also used for descaling and removing rust. Can be included in household cleaning agents. It’s a stronger acid than citric acid, but definitely safer than hydrochloric acid. But it can cause skin irritation and sometimes fumes can irritate respiratory system. Citric acid is the “safer” of the two.
Custom Building Products Aqua Mix 1 lb. Sulfamic Acid Crystals 050231 - The Home Depot
Eradicate mineral deposits at ease with this Aqua Mix Sulfamic Acid Crystals from Custom Building Products. Can be used on acid resistant stone.
www.homedepot.com
Alexander1312
Supporting Member
Reason I am asking: This is a new product they released at the Interzoo. it is only available in Europe though, and rather expensive, too expensive to buy in bulk in my opinion (250 g for 23 USD).
I bought a small box of this while I was in Germany and started trying it. Folks in Germany who have bought this love it. One of the main benefits seem to be that it is not harsh on plastic or rubber as vinegar or citric acid, and as effective or more effective, apparantly.
It does have some warning statements, but due to rather strict EU laws, they would not be allowed to sell this if it was not reasonably safe.
I bought a small box of this while I was in Germany and started trying it. Folks in Germany who have bought this love it. One of the main benefits seem to be that it is not harsh on plastic or rubber as vinegar or citric acid, and as effective or more effective, apparantly.
It does have some warning statements, but due to rather strict EU laws, they would not be allowed to sell this if it was not reasonably safe.
Alexander1312
Supporting Member
Trying to revive this thread - does anyone know a great place to buy this in larger quantities?
Citric acid is not harsh on plastic/rubber like acetic acid (vinegar) as far as I’m aware.
Alexander1312
Supporting Member
Alexander1312
Supporting Member
I have not spent a lot of time on researching the best price but this seemed acceptable for now re price and quality.
or here
Sulfamic Acid / 3 Pounds / 12 Bottles / 99% Pure Reagent Grade / Fine Powder | eBay
SULFAMIC ACID. The item for sale is 3 Lb (48 Ounces) of Sulfamic Acid (H. You get 12 bottles each containing 4 ounces of product. Sulfamic Acid is commonly used in electroplating solutions. 99% Pure Reagent Grade. ).
www.ebay.com
or here
Sulfamic Acid 3 Pounds 12 Bottles
The item for sale is 3 Lb (48 Ounces) of Sulfamic Acid (H3NSO3). You get 12 bottles each containing 4 ounces of product. Sulfamic Acid is commonly used in electroplating solutions. For other electroplating supplies, including Nickel Chloride, Nickel Sulfa
www.loudwolf.com
Alexander1312
Supporting Member
Fauna Marin recommends 10g for 500ml cleaning solution.
Alexander1312
Supporting Member
Co-founder of Abyzz talks about not using common cleaning acids to clean (certain) parts of (their) pumps, based on their testing. It sounded though as he does generally NOT recommend to use the common knowledge cleaning acids such as vinegar, citric acid, and myratic acid. I have already stopped using citric acid.
Nice of them to use chapters for their interview - 1:03:31
And the link to another site that shows what is in their cleaning product (he also mentions this briefly in the interview):
Nice of them to use chapters for their interview - 1:03:31
And the link to another site that shows what is in their cleaning product (he also mentions this briefly in the interview):
Coral reefer
Past President
What’s wrong with citric acid?
Interesting, Leonardo's Reef mentions something along the vein, not as detailed though (9:32 to 11:16):
SupraSaltyReefer
Supporting Member
I've noticed citric acid and most acids are harsh on magnets and rubber parts such as gaskets, O-rings, etc. Great for cleaning coraline off plastics and glass tho.
Coral reefer
Past President
So basically the same issue as vinegar?
@Alexander1312 - trigger warning.
I haven't used anything but hot water and a scrub brush on my pumps in the last year or so. Have not noticed any decrease in PE, growth, or color.
I haven't used anything but hot water and a scrub brush on my pumps in the last year or so. Have not noticed any decrease in PE, growth, or color.
Patio
Supporting Member
good idea looking for other sellers than reefing companies for a cleaning product. Avoids the reefing tax.
Somehow I have lucked out on current tank and have zero coraline algae to battle with. I just scrub powerheads clean in water change water when needed (algae buildup). Haven't touched the jebao return pump since the start of the tank (oct. 2021).
In the past I used vineagar then changed to citric acid after hearing people parrot that citric is supposed to be easier on stuff. I wouldnt even know how to begin to determin which is better or safer as I have never had an issue related to cleaning with either. I don't soak longer than a couple hours.
Somehow I have lucked out on current tank and have zero coraline algae to battle with. I just scrub powerheads clean in water change water when needed (algae buildup). Haven't touched the jebao return pump since the start of the tank (oct. 2021).
In the past I used vineagar then changed to citric acid after hearing people parrot that citric is supposed to be easier on stuff. I wouldnt even know how to begin to determin which is better or safer as I have never had an issue related to cleaning with either. I don't soak longer than a couple hours.
Alexander1312
Supporting Member
I thought you do not clean your pumps. Not using any acid is preferred of course. I would not be able to do this, and I am mainly concerned about the gyres which are covered in deep corralline after 12 weeks. The return pumps or skimmer pumps should be fine with normal water, although I believe I had to soak my skimmer pump in citric acid last.@Alexander1312 - trigger warning.
I haven't used anything but hot water and a scrub brush on my pumps in the last year or so. Have not noticed any decrease in PE, growth, or color.
I haven't cleaned my return pumps ever really. It's really just the display ones that need anything since my return chambers are pretty dark. For those I only soak the plastic guards in citric to break off the coralline. Then toothbrush the blades. Skimmer pumps I usually just have to toothbrush the intake and pick stuff out of the needle wheel.
Maybe the Tunze and Abyzz returns are just better built too.
Maybe the Tunze and Abyzz returns are just better built too.
Since switching to the SOW20 and Pulse4 pumps - this is mostly true. I have not cleaned the Pulse 4s yet, my love for them grows daily (and they run off the wave engine). The SOW20s need to get pulled out every few months just to scrape all the crud off and the algae that my tangs can't/won't reach.
Corraline seems to grow a little more slowly in my system and doesn't get super thick like it does for some folks, so I guess I am lucky in that regard.