Muriatic Acid Ate Sedra Impeller

[guntercb]

My sedra pump to my euro-reef was sticking and not wanting to start. It appeared that calcium was building up on the shaft. Anyway, I decided to clean it using muriatic acid. The muriatic acid ate the black plastic that surrounds the metal cylinder on the cermic shaft. Has anyone else had issues ith muriatic acid eating a sedra impeller?

I can not believe this happened and would have thought if something is rated for salt water that it would survive muriatic.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[mbbuna]

i had the same thing happen, but why it melted on me was because i placed the impellers in a tub of water and then poured the muriatic acid into the water, forgetting that when you add the acid to water it creates heat. the mixture getting hot is what melted if for me. now before i clean them i mix the water and acid and let it cool before adding the impellers

 

[carman9941]

no problem, i just smooth out the air bubbles and put it back together

 

[guntercb]

Carman,

I wish I had taken pictures. I had a large black goo mess.

Mbbuna,

I was using 100% muriatic acid.

I will only use vinegor now.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[surfjeepzx]

I keep a bucket of 1 gallon muriatic / 2 gallons water stored next to the house with a lid on it. I clean all parts and pieces by submersion but not pump impellers. I clean them by using a tooth brush dipped in the solution and lightly scrubbing.

It works quickly and completely. Just be careful.

I would never use the acid straight, that's nuts!

 

[kzooreefer]

muriatic acid is a 25% hydrochloric acid solution, very strong stuff, and it needs to be diluted down. i usually do a 1:100 dilution at a minimum to clean off scale.

 

[kzooreefer]

I just checked my bottle, it says 31.45% hydrochloric acid and on the back says when using to cleaning parts first try a strong dilution such as 1:20. I prefer using a more dilute solution as like you I have ruined some plastic parts before.

 

[guntercb]

Kzooreefer,

Seeing your occupation, I will remember your post. Thanks for your advice. I had no clue it would eat some plastics. Live and learn.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[seapug]

What's wrong with vinegar?

 

[Peter Eichler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12539492#post12539492 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by seapug
What's wrong with vinegar?

I was thinking the same thing while reading this...

 

[miwoodar]

I like using vinegar too Seapug. I don't like breaking out any hardcore chemicals unless I have too.

 

[down and outman]

I used CLR to clean my Mag drive pump that had stopped up. Worked great and not as hazardous as acid. Vinegar wouldn't touch it.