Is there a way

Snprhed · Feb 15, 2013

I have some rock that Ive had for a while, that may have organic build up. Is there a fast way to clean it up? I am familiar with the cooking process, however I am ok with totally sterilizing the rock if it gives me a clean product quickly.

Is there any way to do it?

Tek · Feb 18, 2013

I just boil it, let dry for a few days, then sit it in some old tank water with good flow for a few weeks.
I added the dried out rock to an established tank and had another cycle spike so now I have some patience and do step 3.

ritter6788 · Feb 18, 2013

If you boil it make sure there are no palys or zoas on the rocks.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/zo...54-world-s-2nd-deadliest-poison-aquarium.html

rewlee · Feb 18, 2013

Here is a thread of best ways to clean dry rock using muratic acid.

Methods of cleaning dry/live rock... - General Reefkeeping Discussions - Bayou Reefkeeping - a Gulf Coast based reef club

its from a local reef forum and it seems like the best way to get rid of phosphates in the rock, which is what is harmful in old live rock. Also bleaching is an alternative.

steveb · Feb 18, 2013

I always
1 - soak the rock in 40% bleach & water for a couple of days (to break down organics) followed by air dry for a few days
2 - followed by a short bath in muratic acid & water (1:10) for about 5 - 10 minutes (to etch surface ways to hopefully rid the rock of sufrace phosphate), rinse and let dry.

Then set it in a bath of RO/DI and watch for a several days to see if phosphate level rises. If phosphates go up I either repeat step 2 or use lanthium chloride.

Swine · Feb 19, 2013

rewlee said:
Here is a thread of best ways to clean dry rock using muratic acid.

Methods of cleaning dry/live rock... - General Reefkeeping Discussions - Bayou Reefkeeping - a Gulf Coast based reef club

its from a local reef forum and it seems like the best way to get rid of phosphates in the rock, which is what is harmful in old live rock. Also bleaching is an alternative.

I did this recently. Cleaned everything well and went into tank not to long after. Didnt harm anything and algae started growign on it fast (not a good thing but there wasnt anything harmful on the rocks for algae to grow is the point)