Curing dry rock

[NU-2reef]

Muratic acid is probably the best way to force out any phosphates that are held within the rock which would leach out when you go to set up your new tank.

I have done 3 days bleach/water then rinse then soak 3 days in baking soda/water then final rinse in rodi for 3days changing water daily. And finally sunbake till dry. And after all that still had algae growing.

now I just buy live rock and will never do dry again.

[sobe]

Use a hard bristle brush as well to scrub the rock. You know once it's completely white and it's "dead" algae will still grow on it depending what kind of algae you are looking for, you will still get green, brown and possibly hair.
What you want is coralline to grow on the rock and coralline can only be introduced to the tank

But Bubble algae shouldn't not come back as long as rock has been completely dried out and crud brushed off.

You could however leech phosphate from the rock from its nook and crannies. Use a something that can take care of phosphate after your vinegar bath. I haven't tried it but use Fozdown or lanthalum to suck out phosphate, gfo is expensive, just measure the phosphate before you start cycling the rocks to see if it's leeching.

[iceman86]

I was given a bunch of rock that was completely covered in every algae possible. I put it in a garbage bin with water and muriatic acid for 15 minutes and they came out looking brand new. I started a new tank with them and I never got a phosphate reading.

[zhasan]

Reading the posts above and watching some videos on youtube, I've decided to go with Muriatic Acid bath.

Its -20 outside so I'm thinking I can't perform this task outside.

I would do it in the garage, but would the cold affect effectiveness of the acid reaction process? Also, If I have to let it sit for about 1/2 hr or so, it might start to freeze up but maybe not if there is heat generating due to the chemical reaction.

I'm wondering if muriatic acid rec a fiberglass bathtub?

As far as the process is concerned, here is what I've learned so far.

Fill up the container with rock and submerge it with normal tap water.
Slowly start pouring acid in the container up to 10% of the water volume.
Let sit and watch the magic happen.
Add baking soda to neutralize the process.
Dump out all the water
Thoroughly wash the rock and let dry for couple of days.

Would those who've successfully completed the process, please confirm if I have it down right?

thanks!

[corpusse]

Good choice, but I'd do this outside if possible. -20 is not normal for Richmond BC, even here in northern Ontario it's rarely -20 for more then a couple of days in a row. Closer to 0 you should be fine to do it.

It will etch the concrete if you do it in the garage, I'm not sure about the bath tub. I was a little surprised how little grass I killed when I did my rock in the summer.

After you wash and dry the rock I'd soak it in RO for a day or so. I tried mine in the sun so of course I got dust ect but since you are doing this in the winter you will have to dry it out inside, still can't hurt.

[SoloSK71]

Originally Posted by zhasan

Reading the posts above and watching some videos on youtube, I've decided to go with Muriatic Acid bath.

Its -20 outside so I'm thinking I can't perform this task outside.

I would do it in the garage, but would the cold affect effectiveness of the acid reaction process? Also, If I have to let it sit for about 1/2 hr or so, it might start to freeze up but maybe not if there is heat generating due to the chemical reaction.

I'm wondering if muriatic acid rec a fiberglass bathtub?

As far as the process is concerned, here is what I've learned so far.

Fill up the container with rock and submerge it with normal tap water.
Slowly start pouring acid in the container up to 10% of the water volume.
Let sit and watch the magic happen.
Add baking soda to neutralize the process.
Dump out all the water
Thoroughly wash the rock and let dry for couple of days.

Would those who've successfully completed the process, please confirm if I have it down right?

thanks!

Do not do this inside. Lacking industrial type ventilation, this is a quick trip to the emergency ward.

Charles

[dino]

I use acid everyday and we use an acid protective suit, gloves, boots and a respirator. Always water first and then add the acid. At the very least do it outside and have gloves and eye protection and don't breath lol

[smokinreefer]

Question, if you end off using acid, why the bleach bath first?