diluting vinegar?

[mskohl]

Does anyone know how much I can dilute vinegar and it still be effective at disolving coralline?

TIA

[GregC]

I've only be successful at full power, and it still takes quite awhile.

[mskohl]

on powerheads and stuff, I can use full strength and it pretty much softens it up enough after an hour of soaking that I can use a scrub pad and it comes right off.

I'm wanting to make cleaning a 45g tank easy, but it will take me awhile to get 45g of vinegar.

[OkR33Fer]

Unless it's a rimless tank, 1~2 gallons should probably get the job done. You just have to stand/lay the tank on the side you are working in.

[GregC]

I would think that if it was in there for quite awhile 2 or 3 gal's would work fine, I would just let it sit for a day or so. On a side note Sam's sells vinegar by the Gal, 2 gal cases as a matter of fact, if memory serves me correct its 7 dollars or so a case.

[Serra]

I have always used full strength and elbow power. I apply it with a no scratch scrub pad, let it sit a while, and then re-apply. I just took down a tank and want to run vinegar thru the filter so I am just using a large jug of vinegar in the tank and throwing everything in it.

We should keep better track of this cleaning stuff. I am always wondering how much bleach to use to totally melt bristle algae on rock...then how much dechlor and airing before it is safe to return it to tank. I usually do the sniff test to tell.

[TulsaReefer]

When I had to clean my 110 gallon tank moving from OKC to Tulsa I used muriatic acid. Beware, it's scary strong stuff, and should be used outside, with gloves, goggles, and other safety equipment. Most places that sell pool chemicals have it, as well as Lowes and HD for cleaning brick and masonry. If you use it, be careful though. And don't use it on anything metal, such as pump shafts.

[GregC]

Yep that will get the job done, but as Lee said, use extreme caution and wear a resperator as well, the fumes are bad.

[mskohl]

yeah, I think I'll stick with the vinegar. I haven't had any trouble with it. (I was able to clean the inside of a u-tube with a toothbrush after soaking in vinegar.) Besides which, I have two little children who would be determined to help.

Thanks though.

[TulsaReefer]

I've only used acid one, and that was for a really big job. I usually use vinegar too, since I've always got some around. I've also found if you warm up the vinegar a bit, it works better. It smells a bit more, but works quite a bit faster. I usually don't get it too hot, but often warm it in the microwave, especially for those smaller items that I'm soaking in a cup or other smaller container.

[zxanth]

Have you tried this. It has worked for me so far. If you are trying to clean a used tank with lots of coraline growth. If you can empty it and let it sit dry for a day or two and then let it soak with water for a couple of hours the coraline algae turns white and literally falls off easily. I am not sure if it works on equipment that are plastic but i know this works on glass. This will be less work for you.