I have and continue to work in a number of public swimming pools, and
the statements I read in the above post disturb me greatly

Chris Crochet wrote
"All fish are sensitive to chlorine, but hydrochloric acid is a
solution that is safe for fish because the chloride ions are free...I
work for one of the largest aquariums in the world, and we use
hydrochloric acid ONLY. NEVER use sulfuric no matter what the idiots
at the fish stores tell you. Muriatic acid (hydrochloric) is the only
option."


snip


Advantages:
1) Doesn't contribute to algae growth.
2) A gallon, readily available for $6 in the pool supply section of
the grocery store, is a lifetime supply for a casual aquarist.


Of course it doesn't contribute to algae growth - free chlorine is the
primary active sanitizer used in 99% of public pools, because it is so
cheap and

***because it oxidizes any biological material it comes into contact
with! hence the burning eyes and itchy skin when you swim in a pool with
to high of levels of Chlorine***

The remaining chlorine after oxidization is called chloramines. Which
also is an oxidizer but acts at a much slower rate.

When someone tells you to treat your water for chlorine and chloramine
prior to adding it to your tank - IT'S FOR GOOD REASON!!!

Disadvantages:

snip

2) Hydrochloric acid, straight out of the bottle at 31.45%, is strong
and dangerous stuff. It produces caustic fumes that can burn the nose
if inhaled. I handle it in this form as little as possible. Instead,
I dilute a batch with water, at 1:8 ratio, in a plastic two-liter
bottle and use that. At this concentration, it no longer fumes, and
is far safer/easier to handle.

At that concentration it is called house hold bleach 1/8 31% = 3.8%
household bleach is generally 3%HCl or 5%NaCl

If you are worried about cost try using a more natural pH reducer -
longer-lasting, and more benefits.

eg. crushed coral added to your substrate - reduces pH, adds calcium to
the tank which is beneficial as a pH buffer and a needed nutrient for
many plants and animals.


PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT USE HCl AS A pH REDUCER

Kris