Cleaning skimmer with muriatic acid

[corsi1330]

My skimmer has collected a lot of coralline in the main body and the whole vinegar thing just doesn't work that well. Anyone cleaning parts with this and if so how many ounces per gallon? Thanks

[Origami]

Since a gallon is 128 ounces, I would just add 1 ounce of muriatic to that amount of water. That will result in a little under 0.1 molar HCl if you use the 20 Baume stuff and will be more than enough to get the job done. Remember - add acid TO water not the other way around. And, if you can do the dilute to at least 10:1 outside, it will help with the fumes that come off of the acid.

[AlanM]

I hold my breath when opening the jug and keep it at arms length even with goggles and gloves on.  Don't want to accidentally splash it, breathe the fumes, or get fumes or liquid in eye.

[corsi1330]

Thanks. I just started the process. Not sure how long it will take to free the coralline but will keep an eye on it.

[corsi1330]

Got to say that this might not be for everyone but it is powerful stuff. Just wiped away all of the coralline and the skimmer looks brand new!

[Origami]

Got to say that this might not be for everyone but it is powerful stuff. Just wiped away all of the coralline and the skimmer looks brand new!

Not surprising. I've cleaned several skimmer bodies over the years this way - most recently for Steve Outlaw (the skimmer is now headed for Sharkey18's tank). I did a nearly 6-foot skimmer body this way, too. I think that skimmer went to Artfully Acrylic & Incredible Corals' shop. Stuff cleans up really nice.

[DaveS]

Any idea what the dilution rate would be to achieve a similar acidity to vinegar? 1:128 is a lot less than the 10:1 I've been using. Maybe that's why everything fizzes when I put it in. like Alan, I try to avoid the fumes. Also keep the bathroom fan in the entire time.

[Origami]

Any idea what the dilution rate would be to achieve a similar acidity to vinegar? 1:128 is a lot less than the 10:1 I've been using. Maybe that's why everything fizzes when I put it in. like Alan, I try to avoid the fumes. Also keep the bathroom fan in the entire time.

That's why it fizzes so well, yes.  I routinely use 10:1 dilutions just because it's fast but 100:1 is still plenty strong for what we do in most cases. Dilution for 32% HCl (pH about -1) is about 1:2500 to get to vinegar's pH (2.4), I think. This does not consider the pKa which is much less favorable for vinegar (about 10exp-13 times less).

[DaveS]

Good to know. 10:1 makes for a good and fast soaking solution. But I thinking for things like pumps where you may turn it on while sitting to get everything that the 1:100 solution is safer in case of splashing.

[Origami]

Good to know. 10:1 makes for a good and fast soaking solution. But I thinking for things like pumps where you may turn it on while sitting to get everything that the 1:100 solution is safer in case of splashing.

Yep. 10:1 reduces the good stuff from Lowe's to about 1 molar. Still strong. Also, if it's too strong (like adding it directly without dilution), I've found that it can discolor some plastics.