Pump Clean - Aquarium Equipment Cleaner - Sicce

Calcium carbonate precipitate is an unavoidable byproduct of running saltwater equipment. As water moves through pumps and heaters, friction-generated heat accelerates limescale deposition around impellers, shaft bearings, and plumbing fittings. Left unaddressed, this buildup reduces flow rates, increases power draw, and can eventually seize a pump entirely. Sicce Pump Clean is a powdered descaler formulated specifically to address this problem quickly and without the use of harsh acids or solvents.

The product works by dissolving mineral deposits through a short soak — no scrubbing required for most maintenance intervals. Because it comes as a powder, you can adjust the concentration of your cleaning solution based on the severity of the buildup. Light maintenance cleaning calls for a dilute mix; heavily scaled equipment can be treated with a stronger batch. This flexibility makes it practical for both scheduled preventive cleaning and corrective use when a pump starts showing signs of reduced performance.

Pump Clean is 100% biodegradable and formulated without synthetic chemicals, which matters when the equipment being cleaned will go back into a reef system. Household vinegar is commonly used as a DIY alternative, but it works more slowly, cannot be easily concentration-adjusted, and produces a persistent odor that makes indoor maintenance unpleasant. Pump Clean eliminates that trade-off.

For best results, disassemble the pump or powerhead, soak the affected parts in a prepared Pump Clean solution, rinse thoroughly with fresh water, and reinstall. Regular cleaning intervals — rather than waiting for performance to degrade — will keep equipment running efficiently and extend its usable lifespan.