BRS Reef Saver Rock and Phosphate?

[Daniel81390]

Looking into starting a tank and was advised that the BRS reef saver rock which is mined from earth has a potential and likely hood to foster phosphates that cause algae problem like hair algae down the road. Is this true? They advised I go with Life Saver rock instead.

 

[WIReefer]

I would think if cured properly you should not have a problem.

 

[Daniel81390]

I would think if cured properly you should not have a problem.

how do you cure phosphate out of the rock?

 

[WIReefer]

how do you cure phosphate out of the rock?

Soaking it in saltwater for a minimum of 4 weeks. I like to heat the water and have flow in it as well. You can test the water while curing to know for sure.

 

[Daniel81390]

Soaking it in saltwater for a minimum of 4 weeks. I like to heat the water and have flow in it as well. You can test the water while curing to know for sure.

would you have to change the water? Pardon my ignorance, but wouldnt the phosphate that leaks out be reabsorbed or am I mistaken In this assumption?

 

[Pntbll687]

Pretty much any mined or man made rock has the possibility of containing phosphate, even aquacultured "live" rock can have phosphate in it.

Most people will "cure" rock in a container or tank and monitor the phosphate level for a few weeks/months while doing water changes to remove excess phosphate.

 

[WIReefer]

would you have to change the water? Pardon my ignorance, but wouldnt the phosphate that leaks out be reabsorbed or am I mistaken In this assumption?

You can change the water if by some means there is a ridiculous amount of PO4 leaching, I’m currently curing rock for my new build as well. And have done it multiple times in the past I don’t think you will have a problem.

 

[Daniel81390]

You can change the water if by some means there is a ridiculous amount of PO4 leaching, I’m currently curing rock for my new build as well. And have done it multiple times in the past I don’t think you will have a problem.

Awesome thank you for prompt replies!

 

[shred5]

how do you cure phosphate out of the rock?

You put it in water and let bacteria consume it.
Also it will release some into the water if the surrounding water has less phosphates so keep changing the water.
Some will soak it in vinegar to remove some of the outer shell of the rock.
The amount of time depends on the rock and how much is bound. I find reefsaver to not be to bad though. Pukani used to be pretty bad.

Reefsaver rock is just mined rock. Yea anything could be in it from run off to what ever.

It is calcium carbonate rock just like live rock and phosphates can bind to calcium carbonate. It can happen in a reef aquarium if you let phosphates get to high.. When you get that persistent algae that grows mainly on your rock it can be caused by this.

 

[piranhaman00]

Cure the rock in a container with a gfo rx.