Power washing zoas off rock

[mckee1024]

My orange oxide zoas are taking over one of the main rocks in my tank. They are spreading like a weed and starting to suffocate my other coral, so I want to get rid of them before it’s too late (hoping we’re not already at that point). Anyway I was thinking about removing the rock and using a power washer to spray them off.
Do you think this could work? And if so what would be the lowest psi you would use? I was thinking about renting one from my local hardware store.

 

[Hemmbone20]

I saw a video on YouTube of a guy using a metal straw to individually scrape off the polyps one by one.. might be a more controlled way of achieving the same outcome.

 

[IceNein]

Given the dangers of palytoxin and the thought that you might be aerosolizing the zoa flesh as you power wash them, this doesn't seem like a good idea to me.

 

[Miami Reef]

Very dangerous. Think about the palytoxins that will spray into a raining mist in every direction. Not good. Not safe.

Do a bleach soak. That’s much better and more effective IMO.

Edit. Selling it would be better.

 

[stewy14]

U could also get some pests? Some that eat exclusively zoas? Idk
Just an idea

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Not a good idea. Palytoxins have killed people. Mostly when they cook the rock or boiled the rock. It is recommended to have a respirator goggles and thick gloves anytime you are working with palys and zoa's in open air.

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Sell it!

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Sell it!

I thought the same thing LOL, seams someone would jump at the rock.

 

[Glenner’sreef]

I thought the same thing LOL, seams someone would jump at the rock.

I had a rock with 350 Eagle Eye Zoas. An aquarium maintenance company gave me $1.25 per head. As he was going to sell to customers the frags, 3-7 heads per for $30 to $50. Win, win.

 

[IceNein]

Yeah, for sure I saw that rock and though, man, someone would definitely buy that whole colony.

Since it does seem to be a large part of your live rock, maybe just get another piece of rock and set it in your tank for a month before you sell it to let it colonize with bacteria/microfauna.