Recently picked up about 100 lbs of dead rock to eventually be placed in DT. My plan is to cook the rock in RO/DI saltwater in several tubs along with circulation pumps and heaters for several months, or until water params are in check. Previously, I have used dry "new" Marco rock and setup in my DT and ran a normal cycle (no cooking). Thus I have no experience with adding dead rock to my system. I know there are conflicting opinions of the subject of bleach, but I am curious to hear 1st hand experiences (good or bad) with bleaching or not bleaching the rock 1st, as part of the curing process for dead rock. Thanks in advance for any shared wisdom.
To bleach or not to bleach...
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GlassMunky
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I hope it's ok to link to outside articles....
I've personally used this process myself 3 times with great results each time.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/m...com/forums?location=topic&fid=117&tid=1914426
I've personally used this process myself 3 times with great results each time.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/m...com/forums?location=topic&fid=117&tid=1914426
mfinn
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The only reasons that I use for bleaching rock is, there might be a ton of unwanted coral or algae on the rock or just dark with age and I wanted clean white rock.
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I have not used bleach myself. However, I have seen the results of using bleach and it will kill everything. Just make sure the rock dries completely and is rinsed thoroughly. Bleach will break down with time.
I have used the sun for a couple weeks, then the muriatic acid bath, with neutralizing backing soda. Then I rinsed, sat out to dry again in the sun. Then I actually use a freshwater curing (cheaper) for a couple weeks, then use salt for a week or two, then add to my system. Crazy, but when you have briopsis, you do crazy things.
Follow all safety precautions with the acid!!!! Keep kids and pets away as the acid bath works on the rocks! Also, the foam will rise significantly, so make sure you have extra room in the container you use. Lots of extra room!
I have used the sun for a couple weeks, then the muriatic acid bath, with neutralizing backing soda. Then I rinsed, sat out to dry again in the sun. Then I actually use a freshwater curing (cheaper) for a couple weeks, then use salt for a week or two, then add to my system. Crazy, but when you have briopsis, you do crazy things.
Follow all safety precautions with the acid!!!! Keep kids and pets away as the acid bath works on the rocks! Also, the foam will rise significantly, so make sure you have extra room in the container you use. Lots of extra room!
Randy Holmes-Farley
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I agree that the purpose of bleaching is to remove dead organic matter (dead sponges, algae, etc.).
Does it look like it has dead stuff on it?
Does it look like it has dead stuff on it?
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seaheard
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Yes, it appears to have a fair amount of dead matter on rock. Additionally i did not know the reefer that sold me the rock, therefore I'd rather go the overkill route to avoid problems down the road.
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Then I'd bleach.
mfinn
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When I bleach rock and other things for my tanks, I also use a strong dechlorinator solution after the bleach soak.
Reefer82
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I've bleached/acid soaked over 200lbs of rock in the past from multiple tanks. Once just for long term storage for a random future tank. No ill effects after using it as long as it's rinsed well, soaked, dried, etc and use a ton of prime in the process.
The rock in my 100 has all been through the process due to a crash of my 75 about 2 years ago. I didn't want the headache of anything decaying or trying to salvage the rock since 98% was covered in muck. It's taken about 8 months since it was all cycled but it's coloring up very well considering it was approximately the same shade of white as a new bag of reef flakes and I'm pleased. There's currently chalices, acros, tons of lps, zoas, and several fish that are honestly doing better than any other tank I've ever had before.
The rock in my 100 has all been through the process due to a crash of my 75 about 2 years ago. I didn't want the headache of anything decaying or trying to salvage the rock since 98% was covered in muck. It's taken about 8 months since it was all cycled but it's coloring up very well considering it was approximately the same shade of white as a new bag of reef flakes and I'm pleased. There's currently chalices, acros, tons of lps, zoas, and several fish that are honestly doing better than any other tank I've ever had before.
