Any insight appreciated

[fernalfer]

So I'm being OCD about my Rock before it goes in the tank.

1. I soaked my rock in Bleack for 2 weeks, then rinsed, then left out in the sun for 5 days.

2. I then did a Muriatic Acid wash at a 20:1 ratio for about 30 minutes

Now to my question: I want to soak my rock in RODI water to see if it leaches any Phosphates. If so I was going to use LC. If I do, once I dose LC do I have to do a water change after?

Or do I keep the rock in the same water to let more leach out and dose LC again repeating that process until it stops leaching phosphates?

Also should I be worried about the precipitate from the LC sticking to my rocks like I here it does to pumps? Don't feel like having to scrub 90lbs. Of porous rock before it goes to the display.

 

[DLHDesign]

If you've done both a bleach and acid wash, then there's nothing really left on or in the rock that will cause any serious issues in the tank once they are well rinsed. The combination removed the organic and inorganic material from the surface of the rock - which should include any of the built up phosphates that remain.

Yes; you may need to scrub the LC off the rocks. It is known to stick to the surface of rocks and such - including inside the nooks and crannies. I would recommend avoiding the use of LC myself - the costs outweigh the benefits, in my book.

 

[fernalfer]

If you've done both a bleach and acid wash, then there's nothing really left on or in the rock that will cause any serious issues in the tank once they are well rinsed. The combination removed the organic and inorganic material from the surface of the rock - which should include any of the built up phosphates that remain.

Yes; you may need to scrub the LC off the rocks. It is known to stick to the surface of rocks and such - including inside the nooks and crannies. I would recommend avoiding the use of LC myself - the costs outweigh the benefits, in my book.

Yeah thats my dillemma. I definetelydon't want to be scrubbing these rocks off. But i went as far as to Bleach the Rock and give them a Muriatic Acid Bath that i want to start ofwith as little to no phosphates as possible leaching from the rock. Not sure the best method to make this happen.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I dont know how applicable this is but I washed mine with a power washer. it did a fantastic job!

 

[DLHDesign]

Unless you're willing to get in there and scrub them off (removing the layers that may remain from your earlier actions), there's not much more I can see to do. Sometimes, elbow grease really is the best solution...

I think you've done more than most already, to be honest. The small bit of phosphates that may be left are likely less than you would get from the food and such you'll be adding to the tank.

 

[fernalfer]

Unless you're willing to get in there and scrub them off (removing the layers that may remain from your earlier actions), there's not much more I can see to do. Sometimes, elbow grease really is the best solution...

I think you've done more than most already, to be honest. The small bit of phosphates that may be left are likely less than you would get from the food and such you'll be adding to the tank.

i guess i can throw it in some RODI and test for phosphates and see where i'm at. If very minimal i'll start the tank up.