Cleaning ATO pump

russ13 · 05/23/2019, 03:07 AM

Going to be using kalkwasser with my Tunze ATO. I read somewhere it’s a good idea to clean the pump every few months with vinegar. Is this something you would recommend?

rvitko · 05/23/2019, 08:42 AM

It generally won't make much difference, the pump life is compromised by being in kalkwasser and generally half, they last 2-3 years in RO water, about a year to 18 months in kalk, the high pH and grit damage the seals. Vinegar might help, but in my experience the best is to use a reactor to mix the kalk after the pump, this also ensures the kalk is not compromised by precipitating out from exposure to CO2 in the air and short of that, prop the pump up so it cannot pick up any powder.

05/23/2019, 03:07 AM	#1
russ13 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: lake elsinore Posts: 742	Cleaning ATO pump Going to be using kalkwasser with my Tunze ATO. I read somewhere it’s a good idea to clean the pump every few months with vinegar. Is this something you would recommend?

05/23/2019, 08:42 AM	#2
rvitko RC Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Austin Texas USA Posts: 35,785	It generally won't make much difference, the pump life is compromised by being in kalkwasser and generally half, they last 2-3 years in RO water, about a year to 18 months in kalk, the high pH and grit damage the seals. Vinegar might help, but in my experience the best is to use a reactor to mix the kalk after the pump, this also ensures the kalk is not compromised by precipitating out from exposure to CO2 in the air and short of that, prop the pump up so it cannot pick up any powder. __________________ Roger Vitko Tunze USA "He's for every one of us, stands for every one of us, he'll save every man, woman and child in a mighty Flash!" Current Tank Info: 210 gallon planted tank with Altum Angelfish