Calcium build up on Heater? Help!

[cam78]

So for quite some time I have had this white build up laying in my sump and had no idea what it was. Today I noticed that my Tru Temp heater had a large amount of this build up, so much it busted my plastic covering around the heating element. It was literally pushing the plastic housing right off. Anyone know what this is or why it happened? It looks like a white build up with a tinge of yellow coloring. Calcium I assume?

 

[btldreef]

Or salt build up.

 

[cam78]

its not salt

 

[nikesb]

Quote:
Originally Posted by CAM78 http:///forum/thread/385765/calcium-build-up-on-heater-help#post_3384845
So for quite some time I have had this white build up laying in my sump and had no idea what it was. Today I noticed that my Tru Temp heater had a large amount of this build up, so much it busted my plastic covering around the heating element. It was literally pushing the plastic housing right off. Anyone know what this is or why it happened? It looks like a white build up with a tinge of yellow coloring. Calcium I assume?
this is because of the reaction occurring at a more heated site. I had this problem all the time with the stealth heaters. Most reactions occur more efficiently at a higher temperature because it causes the reaction to get over the activation energy barrier. Therefor, the energy around the heater is creating a better reaction. It sticks to the plastic because of the texture. You can soak it in vinegar and ro/di and clean it that way. It happens to all heaters, but plastic heaters are affected faster. Coralline builds up on plastic faster than glass too.