Acid type and strength for cleaning

[Tastee]

I’ve been reading a few posts about the acids we use to clean our equipment, in particular advising against the use of Vinegar for equipment with metal parts, e.g. magnets, due to the Acetic acid penetrating plastic. I have a couple of questions about alternate acids I would love some feedback on. I am Australian based and we get different brands etc to what is available in the US so I want to ensure I translate the posts I have seen correctly to my local supplies.

The two acids I see recommended are Muriatic and Citric acid. Muriatic acid is what I believe I know as Hydrochloric acid. This is readily available here but I am unsure of the strength I should use it at. What we buy is listed as 300g/Litre strength. It is typically diluted up to 10:1 for brick cleaning. Pure Hydrochloric acid is a pretty powerful acid, but I believe what we buy is already diluted.

What do you recommend as the appropriate strength of this acid to use when cleaning aquarium equipment such as pumps?

10:1? Or weaker?

Citric acid is a little harder to source, but online suppliers have bulk dry acid which is mixed 20g per 80 ml of water for a 20% strength solution.

Again what do you recommend is the appropriate strength of this acid for aquarium equipment cleaning?

Finally does anyone have any preference of one over the other?

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[SPR1968]

I think they all have there place to be honest depending on personal preference

I use both vinager and citric acid (not together) and I make the solutions quiet strong depending on how much I have of each, but I prefer the smell of citric acid to the more pungent vinegar

I can’t really give an exact ratio but if it’s a small container I may use 50-100% pure vinegar or 10:1 or 2 with citric acid for long soaks if spare pumps for example.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

^^^^Do you use Tunze Citric acid or do you have another source.

 

[Tastee]

Bumping this thread as I would love to hear any other feedback.

 

[Justdrew]

I’ve used muriatic acid for years with all my equipment. I think I started around a 10:1 dilution, but now just add some to water. I always have it around as I have a pool in the Southwest with ridiculously high pH water.