Soaking calcium carbonate rock in vinegar

[Ryan8696]

Hi everyone - I was going to soak some of my calcium carbonate live rock to get rid of the algae etc. however there is an article online that says:

"Remember that rocks made of calcium carbonate should not be a dip in the vinegar solution." But it doesn't explain why.

Is it ok to do so? Or will I ruin the rock? If so any ideas on what else I can soak it in to clean it?

 

[Miami Reef]

Some of the rock will dissolve in the vinegar, but it’s nothing to be afraid of. People will cure with muriatic acid, which is more dangerous, and more rock would dissolve with that strong acid (depending on the dilution).

I personally would use bleach is sterilization is the goal.

If the algae is common (diatoms, GHA etc) I wouldn’t bother with sterilization.

 

[Ryan8696]

It's actually more of an aesthetic, as I've tried scrubbing them and also using a high pressure hose but I cant get them clean.

 

[The_Paradox]

It's actually more of an aesthetic, as I've tried scrubbing them and also using a high pressure hose but I cant get them clean.

Any reason not to put them in a trash can or tote for 5-6 days no light?

Vinegar, Muriatic, phosphoric, whatever does not matter as much as the final molar concentration/pH. If in doubt test on a small frag first.

 

[Miami Reef]

It's actually more of an aesthetic, as I've tried scrubbing them and also using a high pressure hose but I cant get them clean.

Clean from what? If it’s like coralline/calcium build up, then muriatic acid or citric/vinegar would be best.

If it’s more organic (like algae film/biofilm) then chlorine would be better.

Can I see pictures of the rock?