Jan January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012 I took some great looking rocks out of my hex but they are covered with hair algae, caulerpa and the tank was infested with planeria. I knocked it down because I feared cross contamination of planeria. Anywho, I've got these really nice looking pieces of rock that I'd like to use sitting on the steps in my backyard. How do I clean/cook them?
wvreef January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012 I let mine dry completly then I take a scrub brush to them with a water hose to clean them real good....a little messy but works great for me....there really in no easy way to clean this type of rock....well unless you have someone else do it for ya....rofl
Origami January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012 I power-washed some rock once. It seemed to work reasonably well. If the algae is firmly rooted, though, it may leave some trace behind that will grow. In that case, perhaps drying it out followed by a good scrub/rinse/power wash is the best.
Coral Hind January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012 I would completely let it just dry out or fresh water bath it. No scrubbing is going to get all of it and you will just have to deal with it again. Just kill it and start over.
Origami January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012 ^^ I agree. Even a freshwater bath may not kill all the algae, though. Some algae are incredibly resilient. Oh, I've also used a heat gun on some rock - outdoors, of course, for proper ventilation. This can dry stuff out in a hurry. It's like baking the rock (slowly), but you can do it outdoors.
Jan January 9, 2012 Author January 9, 2012 (edited) My concern is the caulerpa. It is very resilient even to tap water. it's also deeply rooted. It went asexual in the hex. The rock definately needs to dry out/die and cure again. There's just no way around that. What about a little bleach and super hot water poured in a bucket outside and scrubbing with a metal brush? I expect this is going to be a lot of work. I'm just trying to avoid double work. It's pukani rock. Really pretty. Edited January 9, 2012 by Jan
yauger January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012 I have yet to see anything really survive a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water... however I don't know what that might to to the rock long term but in the past I didn't have problems with it.
Chad January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012 I have used both bleach and muratic acid on rocks many times before. Both work well and have different usage pros and cons, but if dealt with properly (rinsed in fresh water, sodium thiosulfate as needed, and dried, it will work).
hbh January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012 I have liked & used the green scrubbing pads and a new tile grout brush on my rocks with straight vinegar and lots of water after! Then soaked in fresh water, then salt for a day or two. A lot of work but did it 20 minutes a time. Good luck!
Jim January 10, 2012 January 10, 2012 I have used both bleach and muratic acid on rocks many times before. Both work well and have different usage pros and cons, but if dealt with properly (rinsed in fresh water, sodium thiosulfate as needed, and dried, it will work). I have had great success with muriatic acid to help with rock that was leaching phosphates. I've never had to use bleach, but on RC a lot of people use bleach to kill everything and then acid to remove it. The rock comes out looking fantastic.
Jan January 10, 2012 Author January 10, 2012 Ok acid kind concerns me a little. Do I need to wear goggles and gloves?
Dragon Eye January 10, 2012 January 10, 2012 Ummm..... Did you read what you wrote? Acid. Do I need gloves? Would you normally play with acid with your bare hands?? Sorry it seems like an obvious safety issue.
Jan January 10, 2012 Author January 10, 2012 Yes I do play with acid with my bare hands ALL the time; acetic and citric to be precise. I don't ever wear gloves when I work with them. Ummm..... Did you read what you wrote? Acid. Do I need gloves? Would you normally play with acid with your bare hands?? Sorry it seems like an obvious safety issue.
Jim January 10, 2012 January 10, 2012 You should wear gloves and goggles; better safe than sorry. Either way be careful, because muriatic acid is pretty potent. If you search muriatic on reef central you can find a lot of good information.
Jan January 10, 2012 Author January 10, 2012 Thank you, Jim. Thanks everyone for your input and advice. You should wear gloves and goggles; better safe than sorry. Either way be careful, because muriatic acid is pretty potent. If you search muriatic on reef central you can find a lot of good information.
Chad January 10, 2012 January 10, 2012 Yep, Jim got it right. Also, if you use muratic acid... Do it outside.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now