Adding acid dipped rock back to established DT

[smokinreefer]

I'm going to be cleaning a 30G Rubbermaid full of rock...
How much baking soda should I have on hand to neutralize this?

And how do you know when it's done?

Thanks!

[vanreefer]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

I'm going to be cleaning a 30G Rubbermaid full of rock...
How much baking soda should I have on hand to neutralize this?

And how do you know when it's done?

Thanks!

The bubbling will be very aggressive at the beginning of the process... as far as “being done” it’s when ur happy with the appearance of the rock or the bubbling (hydrochloride acid being neutralized by the bicarbonate in the rock) slows or nearly stops... I use xtra heavy duty rubber gloves to pull out some pieces and inspect them. Please be very very very careful as the acid will burn ur skin and destroy ur clothes.
I usually put 1/2 a small box in when I’m done. More may be required if the rock was only bathed for a short time.
Remember to do this outside as the fumes are fairly intense
Good luck
VR

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by vanreefer

The bubbling will be very aggressive at the beginning of the process... as far as “being done” it’s when ur happy with the appearance of the rock or the bubbling (hydrochloride acid being neutralized by the bicarbonate in the rock) slows or nearly stops... I use xtra heavy duty rubber gloves to pull out some pieces and inspect them. Please be very very very careful as the acid will burn ur skin and destroy ur clothes.
I usually put 1/2 a small box in when I’m done. More may be required if the rock was only bathed for a short time.
Remember to do this outside as the fumes are fairly intense
Good luck
VR

Yes safety is paramount. If you do get acid on your skin, neutralize it immediately with baking soda. I'm sure you knew that however.

I always have a few boxes open and ready to go just in case.

[dino]

don't take any risks. use gloves and a respirator if possible and eye protection. I have seen acid eat through a metal ladder so its not so nice on the skin. I have also got fumes in the air and its not so present to the lungs

[smokinreefer]

Thanks for all the info and safety tips!

I'll be doing this outdoors and will get rubber sleeve gloves and eye wear.

My change of plans from all your words of caution are:
Wear clothes that are ok to get wrecked in case.
And to have the baking soda already open... Last thing I'd want to do is fumble around with the box if I'm in an emergency situation.

Thanks again everyone!

[smokinreefer]

Oh one more question...
Should I have a powered in there to circulate the acid bath?

[dino]

so also I add soda ash at work to neutralize acid and it bubbles and spits and overflows and baking soda and bicarb will do similar things so be careful with that also.