Taking a torch to pests on live rock?

[raketemensch]

I've seen a few posts here and there about this, but nothing definitive.

It seems like both an effective way to kill pests (vermetids, colonial hydroids) and also a way to put horrible stuff back in the tank afterwards.

Is there an overall decision on this? Is it as bad as it sounds, or is it effective?

 

[Daddy-o]

I used to take a little blowtorch to the rocks. Now I just soak them for 5 minutes in straight vinegar, rinse and put back.
Cheers! Mark

 

[Kzang]

I've seen a few posts here and there about this, but nothing definitive.

It seems like both an effective way to kill pests (vermetids, colonial hydroids) and also a way to put horrible stuff back in the tank afterwards.

Is there an overall decision on this? Is it as bad as it sounds, or is it effective?

Why not acid wash? Pretty easy to do

 

[brandon429]

I've burnt so many things with the windproof blue jet lighter

Live rock conducts no heat do burn some stuff and post vid. Obviously we wouldn't burn palythoa lol
It's a great way to clear ground, debride all the dead material off don't rot in tank

 

[raketemensch]

Why not acid wash? Pretty easy to do

I guess basically because fire is easier if it's effective.

No gloves, no caustics, no weirdness, no acid to worry about adding back to the tank.

 

[raketemensch]

Odd note: torched vermetids smell like teeth being drilled.

They also left a residue on the rocks that fluoresces under blue light.