Keeping your aquarium sparkling is an ongoing process. You have to remain diligent and clean it at least once a week. It’s not as easy as it sounds, however. Your fish tank has several types of tubing that can be challenging to clean. This includes the PVC pipe you use to filter or siphon water from one part of your aquarium to another. How to clean pvc pipe for an aquarium? Luckily, cleaning PVC pipes is not a difficult task.
What You’ll Need
First, you’ll need some cleaning products. Mixing white vinegar, baking soda, and a little salt will do the trick. You’ll also need a mixing bowl and a plastic bag to store the cleaning solution once you’re done. A couple of rags will help you dry off the pipe inside once you finish cleaning it. If your pipe is clogged with algae or other debris, you may need a metal wire brush to access the inside of the pipe. You’ll also need a large bucket or sink to wash the pipe once you’re done cleaning it. Finally, you’ll want to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the cleaning chemicals. While most of them are safe for fish, you don’t want to take any chances.
Mixing Bowl
You can mix the vinegar and baking soda in a mixing bowl. It’s the best way to ensure they are evenly combined so you can use the solution on your PVC pipe. The bowl can also store the cleaning solution once you’re done cleaning your pipe. Be sure to use a plastic bowl since PVC pipes are often metal. Metal bowls can rust and damage the pipe, which defeats the purpose of cleaning it in the first place.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent cleaning product. It can remove stains, smells, and algae from most surfaces and can be used inside and outside your aquarium. When you mix vinegar with baking soda, however, you create a cleaning solution that is even more effective. The baking soda neutralizes the acid in the vinegar, creating a safe solution for your fish, your PVC pipe, and your hands. You can store the vinegar in a bottle or container. You don’t have to clean your pipe without it. Just pour in a bit of vinegar as you clean the inside of your pipe.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common cleaning product for use inside your aquarium. You can mix it with vinegar to create an even more potent cleaning solution safe for fish and other living organisms. If you have an algae problem in your aquarium, you can mix baking soda with vinegar, water, and salt to create a super cleaning solution that will destroy the algae. You can use the solution on your aquarium’s walls and floors.
Showerhead or Piece of Metal
If you need to clean a clog from your pipe, you’ll need to use a piece of metal to scrape the inside. Use either a showerhead or another piece of metal. PVC is soft and can be easily scratched by harder metals like scissors. You can also use a screwdriver only if it has a rounded tip. Begin by pouring some of the cleaning solutions into the pipe. This will help loosen the debris that is blocking the pipe. Once you hear it dripping through the pipe and into the bucket, begin scraping the inside with your metal tool.
Salt and Water
If you have an algae problem in your aquarium, you can create a cleaning solution by mixing salt and water. You can pour this solution directly into your aquarium’s walls and floors. It works quickly and effectively to destroy algae. You can also use this solution to clean your PVC pipe. This solution will clean your pipe but won’t remove the algae from your fish tank walls. You will also have to use the vinegar-baking soda solution to clean your walls.
Steps to Clean Your PVC Pipe
First, put on your rubber gloves. You don’t want to touch the cleaning solution with your bare hands. If you accidentally get some on yourself, it will burn your skin. You can use gloves to protect your hands from the cleaning chemicals. Next, fill your mixing bowl with water. Add the vinegar and baking soda to the water. Stir the ingredients until they are evenly combined. Pour the cleaning solution into your PVC pipe. Scrub the inside of the pipe with your plastic scrub pad or cleaning rag. Once you have scrubbed the pipe inside, turn off the aquarium’s filtration system. Pour the cleaning solution into the pipe. Let it sit for a minute or two. Turn on the filtration system and let the solution siphon out the pipe. Wash out the pipe with water.
Conclusion
Cleaning PVC pipes is not a difficult task. You can clean it out in a few minutes, whether it’s algae clogging your pipe or a clog caused by dirt or other debris. Start by mixing vinegar, baking soda, and water. Pour the cleaning solution into the pipe. Scrub with a scrub pad or cleaning rag. Turn off the filtration system. Pour the cleaning solution into the pipe. Let it sit for a minute or two. Turn on the filtration system and let the solution siphon out the pipe. Wash out the pipe with water. Now you have a clean PVC pipe that is safe for your fish.