Where to buy vinegar in bulk for cleaning

[quan325i]

I'm setting up my new tank and plan on giving every single equipment including the tank a bath in vinegar. My initial plan is to fill the new tank (120gal) half full with the vinegar mix but that's a lot of vinegar. At 50/50 mix, I would need at least 30 gal of vinegar. Is there an alternative? Please help. Thanks in advance.

QN

 

[jubjub]

have you checked costco yet? or sams club?

 

[tcoral]

have you checked costco yet? or sams club?

+1 Cosco, they sell it in 1 gallon containers.

 

[marioensf]

cheapest Costco ~$3 for two gallons.

 

[Jacob D]

Muriatic acid is much stronger, so you can use less of it and dilute it to the strength of vinegar. Make sure to understand safety issues when using acid of course.

 

[quan325i]

cheapest Costco ~$3 for two gallons.

Thanks for the tips. I picked up 10 gals for $16 today.

QN

 

[Sk8r]

Costco is our choice: 2 gallons for reasonable, and you can dilute it somewhat. Just takes longer.

 

[jubjub]

u know i was just thinking of it....cant get much of as bulk but i buy vinegar also from walmart when i need a gallon or two....usually around 1.30$'ish a gallon..i think...

 

[MandM]

Is this used equipment? I use vinegar to clean up calcium deposits on old stuff but a gallon will last me a year. Why do you think you need so much?

 

[boviac]

I too recommend vinegar for Ca and other mineral deposits. Great for cleaning shower heads from time to time as well.

Muriatic acid does need to come with a safety disclaimer. Melev had info on his website at least a while back where he was cleaning some old plumbing etc in a trash can before reusing. He put in water then poured in the acid and thought nothing was happening, then more acid... and then more acid. Apparently the SG of the acid is greater than one as it all just sunk down and ate away much more aggressively the plumbing etc that it had to be thrown out. Caution with acid is mix it with a pump or something.

 

[Reefugee]

Another vote for muriatic acid. I don't bother with vinegar at all. IMO - vinegar is too weak. Diluted muriatic acid does miracle. When cleaning my 120G and equipment, I diluted 1 gallon of acid in 120 gallon of water. Let it soak for a few days, and then just rinsed it really well. When I am in a rush, I'll use a 1:3 of muratic acid to water ratio. Quick and simple.

As pointed out, muartic acid does sink when poured into water, so make sure it mixes well. Usually, I will add water, some acid, and then some more water. If I am mixing a lot of equipment, I will toss in a powerhead to mix the water for me. Also -if you splash acid on you, rinse it off well with water. It may irritate you, but it won't cause long term damage. Also - wear eye protection or be very cafeful not to splash when pouring. Last - don't sniff the fume.