Cleaning new rocks with Clorox?

awais98 · Nov 11, 2016

Hello
I'm curing about 180 lbs of rocks in rodi water and wave maker, for past 3 months, regular water change and occasional lanthanum dosing.

I still see some debris on the rocks, dark brown patches.
What is the best way to remove them? I won't be able to scrub them individually as it's too many and in deep crevices.
Will Clorox bleach or pool shock be helpful in removing the stains?
I know chlorine is a big no. But it's still curing for another few months. And I expect all chlorine to be out.
Please guide.
Thank you

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 11, 2016

Chlorine and bleach are the same thing just at different pH.

That said, many people bleach rock that has organic debris on it to remove it. These are old live rocks, not dead rock that was never in an aquarium?

awais98 · Nov 11, 2016

These are dead rocks pukani from brs

James Martz · Nov 11, 2016

I bleached all of my dead Pukani from BRS. Used about a 10:1 ratio rodi:bleach. Let it soak for two days, then rinsed with ro and soaked in or and added a dechlorinator.

I did this to about 350lbs over the summer and added to new tank. Everything is looking good.

awais98 · Nov 11, 2016

James Martz said:
I bleached all of my dead Pukani from BRS. Used about a 10:1 ratio rodi:bleach. Let it soak for two days, then rinsed with ro and soaked in or and added a dechlorinator.

I did this to about 350lbs over the summer and added to new tank. Everything is looking good.

10:1?!! Ratio?
What brand bleach? Or using pool shock that is more concentrated will be better?

I'm currently running the rocks in rosi water in the sump with the return pump on.
Will it affect any motors or plumbing?

James Martz · Nov 11, 2016

I used Clorox bleach. Used 1 gal of bleach per 10 gallons RO. Did not effect my pumps or plumbing. I did run mine in a separate bin, outside sump/tank.

awais98 · Nov 11, 2016

James Martz said:
I used Clorox bleach. Used 1 gal of bleach per 10 gallons RO. Did not effect my pumps or plumbing. I did run mine in a separate bin, outside sump/tank.

Thank you.
I will try that soon.

awais98 · Nov 11, 2016

James Martz said:
I used Clorox bleach. Used 1 gal of bleach per 10 gallons RO. Did not effect my pumps or plumbing. I did run mine in a separate bin, outside sump/tank.

What dechlorinator did you use? And how much? Or is it even necessary if we just give it time? And water changes

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 12, 2016

Good rinsing followed by either dechlorinator (any brand, lots of it) or sitting in the sun is needed.

awais98 · Nov 12, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Good rinsing followed by either dechlorinator (any brand, lots of it) or sitting in the sun is needed.

Got it
Thank you

kattz · Nov 12, 2016

Won't harm the pumps or motors....

awais98 · Nov 24, 2016

Question
See the picture

Can I put Clorox bleach in the sump on the right where are rocks are curing?
The small tank on the left has corals in it with its own sump.
Will chlorine gas evaporate and come into the coral tank?
I can't move the rocks somewhere else to bleach them....
Suggestions

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 24, 2016

I wouldn't do bleaching inside like that since it will smell a lot. At least tightly cover it.

cb684 · Nov 24, 2016

Instead of bleaching I have been soaking new pukani rocks with RODI for a couple of weeks before using them. In the first 3 days I change the water daily, and later on I change the water every 2 or 3 days.

awais98 · Nov 24, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
I wouldn't do bleaching inside like that since it will smell a lot. At least tightly cover it.

I'll cover it up, my worry is will it bother the coral in the tank next to it?
I do have a robust air circulation and exhaust in that area.
Thank you

awais98 · Nov 24, 2016

cb684 said:
Instead of bleaching I have been soaking new pukani rocks with RODI for a couple of weeks before using them. In the first 3 days I change the water daily, and later on I change the water every 2 or 3 days.

I've been soaking them for about 8 + weeks now, I still see some brown stuff on many rocks stuck on. A lot came out but still there.
I've been doing lanthanum too but I still see the water turn cloudy with it, telling me there still is a lot of phosphates....
Hence the plan for bleaching......

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 24, 2016

awais98 said:
I've been soaking them for about 8 + weeks now, I still see some brown stuff on many rocks stuck on. A lot came out but still there.
I've been doing lanthanum too but I still see the water turn cloudy with it, telling me there still is a lot of phosphates....
Hence the plan for bleaching......

If it is seawater, the precipitate you are seeing may be lanthanum carbonate, not lanthanum phosphate.