Randy what do you think of this?

[NicksMixedReef]

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If you have one or two tiny crevices that are bothering you, it might be worthwhile. For a lot of rockwork it would be a big effort for not much benefit, IMO.

People often do the same with a paste of calcium hydroxide (the powder used to make limewater (kalkwasser)).

Note that it will boost both alk and pH.

 

[NicksMixedReef]

He uses it on bubble algae and was hoping it would work as there's a ton in the tank lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

People often use things like it and calcium hydroxide paste for aiptasia, so it would probably work for algae if it does not dilute away too fast.

 

[reef_ranch]

I use this method on bubble algae and aiptasia. It works quite well. Make sure you turn off all flow in the tank for a good ten minutes after using it.

 

[NicksMixedReef]

I use this method on bubble algae and aiptasia. It works quite well. Make sure you turn off all flow in the tank for a good ten minutes after using it.

Aces, what brand do you use for the caustic soda? I'm guessing a drain cleaner?

 

[reef_ranch]

I bought it on line from a chemical supplier through Amazon I think.

 

[reefndude]

You can also use hydrogen peroxide to target algae as well.

 

[NicksMixedReef]

http://m.lowes.com/pd/Roebic-Labora...ies-Inc-32-oz-Drain-Cleaner-Crystals/4751600=

I ended up getting this instead, didn't have to wait for it to get shipped

 

[Cleo642]

I didn't know you can just buy NaOH. It can be a dangerous chemical.

 

[NicksMixedReef]

I didn't know you can just buy NaOH. It can be a dangerous chemical.

It's pretty hard to find it honestly, since it's used to make meth I think it's been pretty regulated.

 

[Cleo642]

And you can really harm yourself. I worked in a chemical plant that made that stuff. And it had a pretty extensive msds sheet that we had to read and sign off on. Caustic can burn you worse than acids.

 

[NicksMixedReef]

I'm familiar with it, by gf used to make soap

 

[Cleo642]

Make soap, you ever seen "Fight Club"? He would make soap out of women's fat from liposuction and then sell it back to them. Just when you said that made me think of it.

 

[NicksMixedReef]

LOL

 

[NicksMixedReef]

Curious what you guys do to store the solution/get rid of it? I have mine sitting in a sealed glass container

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Running it down the drain with lots of water is fine since high pH solutions are frequently used as drain openers.

Storage in glass or most plastics is OK. Avoid polycarbonate long term.

 

[Cleo642]

Running it down the drain with lots of water is fine since high pH solutions are frequently used as drain openers.

Storage in glass or most plastics is OK. Avoid polycarbonate long term.

I apologize for calling you Heisenberg the other day. Lol. It's just your a chemist and I miss Breaking Bad alot.

 

[NicksMixedReef]

Running it down the drain with lots of water is fine since high pH solutions are frequently used as drain openers.

Storage in glass or most plastics is OK. Avoid polycarbonate long term.

Cool thanks randy!

 

[WetWhistle]

And you can really harm yourself. I worked in a chemical plant that made that stuff. And it had a pretty extensive msds sheet that we had to read and sign off on. Caustic can burn you worse than acids.

I bet it would work well on your good friend the devil bobbit worm. ;p