pump cleaning - muriatic acid?

[dolt]

I have heard a few people mention this as a cleaning agent - where do you get it, what is the strength I need and what are the risks? (I use vinegar now but takes a long time to get thick stuff off)

 

[Tammy3770]

check a heavy duty hardware store.
it is used for cleaning mortar off of bricks and, clearing industrial drains.
I dont know how much to use,

 

[Dubbin1]

Re: pump cleaning - muriatic acid?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6498925#post6498925 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dolt
(I use vinegar now but takes a long time to get thick stuff off)

Clean it more often

 

[dolt]

one other motive for wanting to try this is to get to those internal areas you can't reach to scrub such as some inside areas of pumps - vinegar gets nothing off passively whereas I have heard that muriatic acid is much better at just eating things off
Dubbin1 - that is one option but it does not solve the internal problem especially of needlewheels etc - also I already spend a ton of time on my tank daily and if there is something I can make more efficient I am always interested - I have to have time to work to pay for the expensive hobby!

 

[NoSchwag]

I get it from the pool store.

 

[dolt]

NoSchwag- is it a powder or a set strength liquid? - do you use it full strength and how long does it take to clean things off?

 

[samtheman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6499131#post6499131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dolt
one other motive for wanting to try this is to get to those internal areas you can't reach to scrub such as some inside areas of pumps - vinegar gets nothing off passively whereas I have heard that muriatic acid is much better at just eating things off
Dubbin1 - that is one option but it does not solve the internal problem especially of needlewheels etc - also I already spend a ton of time on my tank daily and if there is something I can make more efficient I am always interested - I have to have time to work to pay for the expensive hobby!

Vinegar is cheap and safe. Buy a couple of gallons and pour it in a salt bucket with a lid. Put your dirty powerheads in the bucket, cover it and plug in the powerheads. Leave them overnight and the next day break them down and clean them with a light brush. They will come clean as new inside and out!

 

[NoSchwag]

It comes in a gallon jug, it's liquid.

I don't know why, but make sure you mix acid to water, not water to acid.

Use a 4 or 5:1 water to acid ratio. This stuff works amazingly well. It ate the coralline and encrusted coral with off of the overflow in my used tank VERY quickly. It just bubbled away.

 

[dolt]

cool thanks - I'll have to pick some up!

 

[old salty]

I bought a jug at Dummy Depot. Blows vinegar away, but make sure you rinse well and use gloves and a splash shield.

 

[ohioreef]

Re: Re: pump cleaning - muriatic acid?

Re: Re: pump cleaning - muriatic acid?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6499013#post6499013 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dubbin1
Clean it more often

Not really sure that is what he wanted to hear.......


I've read of people using it as diluted as 10:1. You'll have to see what works for you.

Not sure if it was mentioned yet or not, but never add water to acid, always add the accid to the water.

 

[ohioreef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6499345#post6499345 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NoSchwag
I don't know why, but make sure you mix acid to water, not water to acid.

Oops, missed that post.

Anyway, trying to pull my high school chemistry out of my....., it has to do with the chemical reaction that occurs when you mix the acid with the water, unfortunately it has been way too long since chemistry and I can't give you the exact reasons.

 

[swashbuckler]

i think the obvious explanation would be that they dont want water to splash up as your pouring water into a highly acidic solution. but im sure there's also a chemical explosion bound to happen.. kabooom!

also guys- make sure you do this outside if possible.... and avoid breathing in the vapors...its really bad for you. i would recommend eye protection and wear a mask or tshirt or something over your face.

 

[arnjer]

It's the chemical reaction......adding water to acid could make the water evaporate too quickly but adding acid to water there is not too much acid all at once to do that. It's been many years since chem class but I think that's it

Jerry