zoa removal from rock I set outside

[saltyfins]

I put a rock that was covered in pest zoa's, outside for about 3 months. they're of course dead. do I still need to be worried about the toxin? they're clearly dead, but still somewhat stuck on the rock. they appear "rubbery".
I have a hollywood stunner that has to be moved, as it smoked a couple of my SPS, and I need this particular rock.
any help is appreciated.
Thank You

 

[KrisReef]

Wear gloves and goggles and scrape them off to prevent decay related nutrient issues, but otherwise the rock should be good to go.

 

[saltyfins]

Wear gloves and goggles and scrape them off to prevent decay related nutrient issues, but otherwise the rock should be good to go.

Thank You. So even though they've been outside for that long? clearly they're dead, but I guess better safe, than sorry regardless!

 

[Alexraptor]

The zoas are dead yes, but the toxin can remain long after everything has dried out. I know of at least one documented case with dry rock that turned nasty.

Palytoxin Nearly Killed my Family and Pets! | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

A traumatic event happened at my house this week. My family and pets became very sick and in the dogs case, near death. A chain of events lead to my house being filled with aerosolized Palytoxin.

reefbuilders.com

 

[mfinn]

Since the bacteria in the rock is dead, I would set the rock in a bleach solution for 48 hours. ( 3 cups per 5 gallons of fresh water)
That will remove the pest zoanthids.

 

[EricR]

I've never been one to worry about palytoxin when handling (dipping/moving/etc) zoas but you might want to read this and strongly consider doing any soak/bleach/clean outside:

Palytoxin from Soaking Old Frag Plug


*that's the only palytoxin post I've ever read that really caught my attention and made me think,,, hmmm

 

[saltyfins]

I've never been one to worry about palytoxin when handling (dipping/moving/etc) zoas but you might want to read this and strongly consider doing any soak/bleach/clean outside:

Palytoxin from Soaking Old Frag Plug


*that's the only palytoxin post I've ever read that really caught my attention and made me think,,, hmmm

omg! Now I feel like I should just through it away! it's zoa's, not Palys...idk if that matters... not only that..but I also have some on a rock in my sump..which is dark. Oh geeze! is that going to be an issue too?

 

[mfinn]

You don't have to throw it away, unless you no longer want the rock. The actual rock can be saved. There is no need to panic.
Bleach will completely dissolve all organic matter.
Just do it outside.

 

[saltyfins]

You don't have to throw it away, unless you no longer want the rock. The actual rock can be saved. There is no need to panic.
Bleach will completely dissolve all organic matter.
Just do it outside.

sure enough, but then I have a rock that's been soaked in bleach. so I would just hose that off, then set it in RODI water, then dry?

 

[mfinn]

After the bleach soak, do a strong dechlorinator soak. Prime or API Tap Water Conditioner for 24. Then let it air out for a day or two.

 

[saltyfins]

After the bleach soak, do a strong dechlorinator soak. Prime or API Tap Water Conditioner for 24. Then let it air out for a day or two.

ok. thank you!!

 

[mfinn]

I use API Tap Water Conditioner because it's cheaper than Prime.

 

[saltyfins]

ok. thank you!!

oops, forgot to ask, after that...they'll be safe to pull off the rock? like, they're obviously dead...shriveled up to nothing, almost crusty but for the rain we've been getting.

 

[mfinn]

oops, forgot to ask, after that...they'll be safe to pull off the rock? like, they're obviously dead...shriveled up to nothing, almost crusty but for the rain we've been getting.

No, they will be gone. Bleach dissolves organic matter ( oxidizes? )
If they aren't gone 100%, repeat.

 

[saltyfins]

No, they will be gone. Bleach dissolves organic matter ( oxidizes? )
If they are gone 100%, repeat.

Thank You!