Is citric acid the new vinegar?

[d2mini]

Vinegar has always been my go-to for cleaning everything from frag racks, to skimmers, to return pumps, to wave makers.... pretty much anything that needed cleaning. But lately I keep seeing discussions about citric acid.

So what's the deal??? What is it, why is it and where is you getting it?

 

[Estonian Reefer]

I started using citric acid instead of vinegar when I learned more about vinegars damaging effects overtime to plastic covers which could potentially leave magnets exposed to saltwater. I get my citric acid by 5kg from eBay.

 

[KStatefan]

There were reports about vinegar damaging some plastic. I have been purchasing from Amazon

Beware of Vinegar - The Pump Killer

I have posted bits and piece of my vinegar story over the past three years, and I thought it would be beneficial if one post contained all that I've learn. You'll be surprised! This story will contain three parts; my history with vinegar, the cause and simplified chemistry what's happening...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[robotrash]

Bulk online for sure, in a pinch you can get some (usually sold for canning) at your local store!

 

[KrisReef]

Vinegar is harmful for impeller magnets and it can cause damage to them and reduce their service life. Something about the chemical properties is different with pool acid and citric acid that cleans off the scales safely.

 

[Lavey29]

We're supposed to clean stuff?

 

[c4haskett]

I bought some non-scented citric acid in bulk from amazon. Works awesome.

 

[IKD]

I’ve use it instead of vinegar for the past year and have been very happy (works quick, no smell!)

I get mine from Amazon. I use this one but there are other brands available.

 

[Someshmuk]

Less stinky and easier to store imo. Its dry and overall great to work with. I got a bag from Amazon and it's lasted me a good year before I bought another.

 

[d2mini]

Is this ok? It's one of the cheaper ones...

Amazon.com

 

[Someshmuk]

I use this one but I get the 5 lb bags. If food grade is good enough for people, it's good enough for use in your tank.

Milliard Citric Acid 2 Pound - 100% Pure Food Grade Non-GMO Project Verified (2 Pound) https://a.co/d/fJj74Px

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Is this ok? It's one of the cheaper ones...

Amazon.com

Yup I've bought a few. Works fine. I alternate between this and what you posted up.

 

[robotrash]

And if you like sour candy (like my wife) you can make your own by sprinkling this on anything just watch out for canker sores!

 

[spsick]

I bought a 50?lb bag locally from a brewery supplier. Food grade and massively cheaper than Amazon or vinegar from Costco. Stored in a bucket with a gamma lid it’s lasted me 3 years and only used half so far.

 

[rtparty]

Switched over a couple years ago after the whole Vortech and vinegar issues were brought up. Just get the cheapest, biggest off Amazon

 

[d2mini]

I bought a 50?lb bag locally from a brewery supplier. Food grade and massively cheaper than Amazon or vinegar from Costco. Stored in a bucket with a gamma lid it’s lasted me 3 years and only used half so far.

OH reallly..... i have one of those close by.

 

[jda]

Muriatic, citric and a few other acids were in before vinegar became a thing. Been around since I started in 1990s. Vinegar is like throwing a baseball at a freight train compared to most acids.

 

[d2mini]

Muriatic, citric and a few other acids were in before vinegar became a thing. Been around since I started in 1990s. Vinegar is like throwing a baseball at a freight train compared to most acids.

I definitely recall people using muriatic acid, but man what a pain. That stuff is harsh/dangerous. I don't like using it in the pool either... have to hold my breath just to pour it.
Vinegar was so much easier/safer in comparison.
Sounds like the powdered citric acid isn't too bad?
What's the standard mixing instructions for our purposes (cleaning pumps and stuff)?

 

[jda]

It is all the same if you dilute it right. I use muriatic since I have it on hand anyway and it really can cut through some stuff in no time, like coralline. I use muriatic to lower alk in my salt mix, so no big deal. I just handle it like kalkwasser... protect your eyes and don't breathe it. It is also 2 gallon for like $9 at the big box hardware stores.

 

[spsick]

I definitely recall people using muriatic acid, but man what a pain. That stuff is harsh/dangerous. I don't like using it in the pool either... have to hold my breath just to pour it.
Vinegar was so much easier/safer in comparison.
Sounds like the powdered citric acid isn't too bad?
What's the standard mixing instructions for our purposes (cleaning pumps and stuff)?

3/4 cup per gallon of water is my mixing ratio