Preparing dry rock

[gemini9]

I have a few pounds of dry rock from brs (pukani and multibranch) I'd like to add into my tank. With my current nitrate problem, I want to make sure they are perfectly clean of any and all die off and debris before I put them in there. I've been recommended a bleach and vinegar method. I don't like bleach, so I'll go with the vinegar. I was advised to soak them for about 10 days in vinegar. My question is, does it matter what kind of vinegar I get? Should I use the pure distilled white vinegar? Or can I use just the regular brown vinegar stuff? oh:

 

[Pete polyp]

Use the white vinegar.

 

[jgraz]

Never seen brown vinegar. But 24 hrs with a powerhead and a 50/50 vinegar/water mix is all you will need. Chances are after that the vinegar will have lost its acidity by then anyway. I highly recommend the bleach as well. Do that first followed by vinegar bath. By the time you finish the vin the chlorine will have rinsed out. Then a good rinse of everything after. That rock will be good to go.

 

[gemini9]

Sounds like a plan. I'll pick up the vinegar this evening or tomorrow. Whichever day I go after groceries. I'll grab up some bleach as well. And some rodi jugs for water change. I think I'll buy a few more crabs too.

 

[Dalmatia]

Just bleach it, the vinegar does the same thing but it takes longer. They both evaporate quickly so I'd go with the stronger stuff (bleach).
10 days is ok for vinegar, you should go maybe 4-5 days with bleach. After that's done, wash it good and put in a tank or bin with lots of carbon and add some prime by seachem

 

[gemini9]

Picked up a gallon jug of white distilled 5% vinegar. Thought I had some bleach here at the house but I can't find it. I'll look around some more and if I come across it I'll soak these rock. When I order my rodi unit from brs I'll order a few more pounds of dry rock too. I use paypal for my tank. lol I sell stuff on ebay and the money I get that goes into my paypal account is my fish tank money lol. I've got about 200 bucks in there now because I sold a few things last week so I can probably afford a rodi unit now. A member on here offered to sell me one of his for $75 so I might take him up on the offer if he still has it. But I do like buying stuff new rather than used tho. :neutral:

 

[Dalmatia]

If you buy used go with spectra pure

 

[gemini9]

He's got a 4 stage with a water meter from off of brs that he offered to me at $75

 

[Dalmatia]

TDS meter?

 

[gemini9]

TDS meter?

yeah

 

[Dalmatia]

Get it!!! What you waiting for???

 

[gemini9]

I duno lol

 

[Pete polyp]

Better get it before I do

 

[Dalmatia]

Deal and a half!!! I remember that post. He offered it to you like 3-4 weeks ago! Jump on it

 

[Pete polyp]

Deal and a half!!! I remember that post. He offered it to you like 3-4 weeks ago! Jump on it

I think between you and I this guy will end up with a killer tank

 

[Dalmatia]

I hope so!
Anyways give us some pics gemi

 

[gemini9]

Yeah It's been awhile ago. We've sent a few correspondances through pm now and then. Who's gonna have a killer tank? Me? lol I duno about that. It's been a bit of a struggle so far.

 

[Pete polyp]

Tank thread!

 

[gemini9]

Ok. I'll get one started tomorrow. Not much to see right now but I'll start one and get a few pictures up. I've got work in the morning so I should be getting to bed for now.