Removing coraline

[jtl]

I have been soaking pumps and parts in vinegar, but does someone have a better solution.

 

[Tenacious716]

Muriatic Acid works better and faster.

 

[WesF]

+1 on Muriatic Acid.

 

[jtl]

How much do I dilute? How about equipment that has metal like pumps?

 

[saltwaterfishes]

Tagging along....would like to know more.

 

[BigRed]

Can someone tell me more about this muriatic acid?

 

[BayCorals]

Can someone tell me more about this muriatic acid?

They use it to clean swimming pools and melt things. The gas is very toxic for the eyes.

 

[Lazys Coral House]

Here ya go. Much better then vinegar, less caustic and only needs to soak in it a hour or two max. Coraline will rinse right off.
D-D EzeClean Equipment Cleaner

Never tried Muratic Acid. What is the water/acid ratio recommended?

 

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Muriatic Acid... You can pick it up at Lows or Home depot. I think the paint area is where I found mine... Gloves and eye protection is a must and make sure to mix it the right way. Read the directions on the bottle. I think I mixed about a cup in 4 gallons of water...Again read the directions on the bottle on HOW you mix it with water. O and this will even eat into cement if you leave it on long enough in an undiluted state. But other then that it’s kind of safe. Just think of it as very strong vinegar.

When I was SCUBA diving for a living we would soak our regulators (some of the parts) in a very diluted bath to remove any calcium deposits when we cleaned them.

 

[MichaelMouse]

Use outside only, (there will be fumes) have a hose handy, safety glasses a must with a face shield even better, dont use a metal bucket, wear rubber gloves, and always pour the ACID INTO the water. Neturalize with baking soda if some spills. I'd use a 5 g bucket with about 4" water and add roughly about 2 cup acid to start with. Give it a few minutes. Acid concerntrations will vary with product so read the directions espically on how to dispose when done. Wash hands arms when done. Its not likely going to burn your skin immediatly like you see on TV but as I have found by not wearing gloves little drops you may not even feel get on your skin and start burning 15 minutes later. All this being said, I am new here and a beginner reefer, be safe.
MM

 

[jtl]

Talked to another reefer, he uses it at a rate of 1 cup per 4 gallons of water to soak anything with coraline on it.

 

[dakotasreef]

I have always used vinegar with good results. 1/2- 1 cup per gallon. Let them sit for 24 hours. I usually run the pump in it, then just take an old toothbrush and it usually wipes off. I have never used muriatic acid but if you have kids as I do, I do not want this around.