how much muriatic acid to use for cleaning

[pascal32]

I'm looking to move over to using Muriatic acid to clean pumps and bins. I've been looking and the concentration varies.

Using muriatic acid from the pool store Hydrogen Chloride 31.45%

what level of dilution & soak time should I be using for:
- normal cleaning
- really grungy pump
- Salt water mixing bin

Any issues cleaning skimmers (acrylic) VS vinegar?

thanks!

 

[tmz]

I've never used it for normal cleaning ;just for old tanks. It's a stronger acid so I'd want to try it at greter dilution than acetic acid. Vinegar is 5% acetic acid . I'd probably start around 1% or less hydrochloric acid ( ie 30 to 50 parts water to the 31% muriatic acid ) . The stuff scares me though. I used 1/2 gallon of muriatic acid ( 36% hydrochloric) to clean a 29 gallon tank heavily encrusted with coraline and calcium carbonate and it worked well but I didn't put my hands near it and did it outside to avoid any fumes.

 

[Capt_Cully]

For heavily encrusted powerheads and heaters, I used a 10:1 (RO:acid) ratio, but I think that was over kill. I soaked them for about 2 hours, then flushed heavily with tap (hose). Again, outside, EYE PROTECTION, and appropriate gloves for use with acids.

I believe caution has to be taken with exposed magnets, can't remember why, but it was one of the cautions. Also, as I recall, prolonged exposure to plastics can lead to structural weakness....but I may be making that part up. Point is, I'm not sure I'd use it on acrylic without some proven data. I certainly wouldn't experiment with it, ESPECIALLY with your skimmer. That thing's a beast!

 

[GMaquarium]

I had the pleasure of getting straight muriatic in my eye. GLASSES ARE A MUST and gloves.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Even well diluted It'll eat metal, so don't use it to clean pumps with exposed metal (i.e. mag drives with their exposed screw heads). 10:1 seems to be a common concentration when people talk about heavy-duty cleaning so I agree with Tom's suggestion of starting around 30:1 or 50:1 for moderate cleaning.

 

[NirvanaFan]

I would probably use 10:1 ratio, but I like to do things fast. Wear gloves (especially if you have any cuts on your hands), and make sure to wear eye protection, preferably goggles, unless you have the glasses that have the side and top protection.

I routinely use straight acid to clean 2 liter bottles that I culture phyto in. If you get it on you, it's not going to burn a hole through your skin. It just starts to itch and become uncomfortable. Any mucous membrane it touches won't be good though.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

I know Pascal already knows this, but for the sake of completeness in case others are reading this thread, this stuff STINKS. Don't use it in an enclosed space!

 

[NirvanaFan]

Yeah, it does stink. And if you breath the vapors, it burns your lungs.

 

[Willistein]

It gives off hydrogen, right? No cigars while you're doing it, Pascal!

 

[Jstn]

It gives off hydrogen, right? No cigars while you're doing it, Pascal!

No, its not flammable. Its hcl gas which is highly corrosive.

 

[NirvanaFan]

Also, as I recall, prolonged exposure to plastics can lead to structural weakness....but I may be making that part up. Point is, I'm not sure I'd use it on acrylic without some proven data. I certainly wouldn't experiment with it, ESPECIALLY with your skimmer. That thing's a beast!

I'm guessing this would be highly dependent on the plastic. Muriatic acid is frequently shipped in 15 gallon plastic drums. I've stored them like that for 6+ months with no issue. I wouldn't worry too much about it being diluted and in contact with your skimmer or pumps for a few hours.

 

[Jstn]

Most polymers are inert to Acids, HDPE PS PMMA, only carbonate polymers such as PETE (soda bottles ). All our acids come to us neat in glass, but i have made neat sulfuric acid baths in home depot buckets and have had them sit for years no problem.