Sanitizing rock

[Deiblerj]

Sooo long story short, about to move my 40 breeder and while moving I plan on changing out substrate and some rock.

I have a nice big piece I really like but it’s covered in GHA and Aiptasia. Was going to suck that sucker in vinegar to kill everything then rinse and put back in the tank.

Good idea or bad idea?

 

[Hemmdog]

I would just soak in RODI and see how far that gets you.

 

[Deiblerj]

You think that would be enough to kill all the bad stuff?

 

[Hemmdog]

You think that would be enough to kill all the bad stuff?

They are saltwater plants and animals so theoretically it should.

 

[Deiblerj]

They are saltwater plants and animals so theoretically it should.

Haha guess that’s is a good point!

 

[Bryson.bobby]

I’ve heard that aiptasia can live up to 2 weeks in freshwater. Not really sure how true that is though

 

[mfinn]

IMO it would take months for a freshwater soak.
Vinegar or bleach if you want organic matter gone.

 

[Silent]

I always use bleach.

 

[Deiblerj]

Straight bleach or dilute with water?

 

[Billdogg]

Bleach will turn the organic matter white but not actually remove it. I'd be tempted to just put it in aa bucket filled with straight white vinegar ffor a hour or two.. Rinse it very well it you will have a clean, dead rock

 

[Silent]

 

[mfinn]

Bleach will turn the organic matter white but not actually remove it. I'd be tempted to just put it in aa bucket filled with straight white vinegar ffor a hour or two.. Rinse it very well it you will have a clean, dead rock

It will too. Bleach will dissolve organic matter.
I've done it a half dozen times and over a couple decades and it works.

 

[mfinn]

Straight bleach or dilute with water?

I use 3-4 cups of non scented regular bleach in 5 gallons of water for 48 hours
Sometimes for larger mats of organic matter a second round of bleach is needed.
Do not use splashless bleach.