Can Muriatic Acid Activate a Calcium Reactor?

[Dick Perrin]

I'd like to raise the calcium level in 8 of my 2000 + gal vats, have 500# german reactor media on hand, and don't want to pop for the CO2. Will a slow acid drip do the job?

 

[BeakerBob]

Muriatic acid is Hydrochloric acid (HCl). It will dissolve the reactor media but will add Cl ions to the tank water, increasing the specific gravity. While it can be done, be careful adding the HCl to the basic CaCO3 (media) as it may have a violent reaction......spattering, foaming & heat. You could add the Muriatic acid to water (ALWAYS add acid to water, NOT water to acid) to dilute it prior to adding it to the media to reduce the foaming and heat production. Unless you have worked with acids and know the safety requirements, you should not attempt this.

Remember, the CO2 provides a slight acid environment that dissolves the media (CaCO3). Adding a stronger acid environment will impact the buffering capacity of the tank that may decrease pH and alkalinity.

 

[Dick Perrin]

Muriatic acid is Hydrochloric acid (HCl). It will dissolve the reactor media but will add Cl ions to the tank water, increasing the specific gravity. While it can be done, be careful adding the HCl to the basic CaCO3 (media) as it may have a violent reaction......spattering, foaming & heat. You could add the Muriatic acid to water (ALWAYS add acid to water, NOT water to acid) to dilute it prior to adding it to the media to reduce the foaming and heat production. Unless you have worked with acids and know the safety requirements, you should not attempt this.

Remember, the CO2 provides a slight acid environment that dissolves the media (CaCO3). Adding a stronger acid environment will impact the buffering capacity of the tank that may decrease pH and alkalinity.

we routinely use 10% muriatic, about 10 ml to 5 gal saltwater to achieve 7.5 ph to match ph of newly arrived fish. Suppose I dripped several gallons of saltwater @ Ph7.5 thru about 6' of 4" pvc filled with reactor media into about 2000 gallons. I could check Ph before letting it into the tank. I could adjust drip to take 4 or 5 hours. Any opinions? Thanks

 

[kgross]

Hey Dick hows it going?

Anyway other than the PH issues and a build up a cl, which should not be a problem it will work. But would it not be a lot cheaper to purchase some bulk reef safe calcium chloride to add to the tank?

Kim Gross

 

[tony]

Dick,

I think this has bad idea written all over it.

I would think you'd be much safer doing a 2-part additive.

All you need is baking soda and calcium chloride Ice melter.

You can bring your levels up really quick.

If you do go the acid route I'd be curious to see what happens. Do let us know.
And be careful with where you do it. You're likely to generate some harsh vapors when inhaled and a lot of heat. You'd be best to do it outside. For some reason I'm thinking Chlorine gas in your store won't go over too well.

Perhaps Acetic Acid (vinegar) may work better for you. PVS chemical in Detroit sells and delivers 55gal drums of it and it is much stronger than the stuff at the grocery store. If you need a drum pump give me a call as I'm in that line of work. 734-812-5444

The 2-part additives are very cheap and very easy. I'd really consider them before trying what you're thinking.

Also, there is a company called "Univar" in Romulus that will sell Calcium Hydroxide (kalkwasser) in 50lb. bags if you buy half a skid or so at a time. You can set up a bucket with a drip and that works well also. They work out to less than $25 for a 50lb. bag last time I bought some.

Not trying to tell you what to do, just thought I'd throw some ideas out there.

tony

 

[kgross]

Dick,

So what did you end up doing?

Kim

 

[bellareef]

Adding muriatic acid (HCl) to coral skeletons or limestone is how calcium chloride & carbon dioxide is commercially made.

2HCl + CaCO3 --> CaCl2 + CO2 +H2O

You can raise Ca by adding a reef safe calcium chloride.

 

[kgross]

I still think I am being followed by somebody around here.
Kim