HELP Hard water and Limescale

[RealCrix220]

hi all

I’m looking for some advice on hard water and limescale

I have quite hard water where I live and this evening one of my FX6 stopped working when I plugged it in following a water change.

Took the motor apart and it’s covered in limescale, I’ve cleaned it all up and it’s now working but I know I’m going to have this issue going forward

Anyone have any ideas or proven products they use to tackle limescale and hard water

 

[Ansorgii]

To remove limescale, any acid will do, I would recommend citric or viniagre since they are not harmful to your fish if any residues remain. Hydrochloric acid will work a lot faster but you should wash it well afterwards.

And for the water in general, there are many possibilities depending on what you can do or want to achieve.

You can stretch it with rainwater, use reverse osmosis or use peat if you don't mind the colour or tanins. There are also chemical water softeners, however they typuially just echange the Ca and Mg ions for Sodium and depending on your fish they will take it more or less well.

 

[RealCrix220]

To remove limescale, any acid will do, I would recommend citric or viniagre since they are not harmful to your fish if any residues remain. Hydrochloric acid will work a lot faster but you should wash it well afterwards.

And for the water in general, there are many possibilities depending on what you can do or want to achieve.

You can stretch it with rainwater, use reverse osmosis or use peat if you don't mind the colour or tanins. There are also chemical water softeners, however they typuially just echange the Ca and Mg ions for Sodium and depending on your fish they will take it more or less well.

Thank you for the info

I have 1 Asian Arowana in my tank so I’m looking into the Arowana buffer from sea hem as it says it softens water but for the long term I may have to install a RO system as you mentioned.

 

[RealCrix220]

So it turns out my perimeters are good for the fish so that’s the main thing. My ph is a little high at 8 but that’s straight from the tap and my GH is 10 with testing on heat my aro kinda likes it warmer so he’s been sitting at 28.7 so it seems like I’m going have to suffer the limescale

 

[Ansorgii]

The higher pH usually means bacteria will do very well in your filter if that helps you accept it.

And if you regularly clean your filter with some acid it should be not to bad. The most important thing is that your fish is healthy and happy.

 

[LBDave]

I don't think you can remove the minerals in the water that cause water hardness using a chemical additive. Certainly nothing that is safe for fish. Water filtration system would be needed. Probably osmotic.

 

[Snorkel]

hi all

I’m looking for some advice on hard water and limescale

I have quite hard water where I live and this evening one of my FX6 stopped working when I plugged it in following a water change.

Took the motor apart and it’s covered in limescale, I’ve cleaned it all up and it’s now working but I know I’m going to have this issue going forward

Anyone have any ideas or proven products they use to tackle limescale and hard water

Soak your impeller and motor parts in white vinegar (50/50 with water) for 2-3 hours every 2-3 months, then rinse thoroughly. Clean the impeller monthly to catch buildup early. White vinegar or citric acid are the safest and cheapest options. Regular monthly cleaning will prevent this issue from happening again.

 

[RealCrix220]

Soak your impeller and motor parts in white vinegar (50/50 with water) for 2-3 hours every 2-3 months, then rinse thoroughly. Clean the impeller monthly to catch buildup early. White vinegar or citric acid are the safest and cheapest options. Regular monthly cleaning will prevent this issue from happening again.

Thank you I am going to look at getting some white vinegar. I did buy some pump clean and I’m going to give that a go but it does seem like white vinegar will be the cheapest option for the long run