phosphate removal from rocks

[reedman]

So another question to those that have done the muriatic acid bath:

1) I would think I could scrub half my rock and bath the other half so I can retain some of the life. Does this seem reasonable? Is it worth it?

2) What kind of ratio do you use and for how long do you let it soak? I know it doesn't take long to break down the corraline algae when I use a diluted acid bath so I wouldn't expect long.

Thanks for all the inputs everyone. I really appreciate it.

 

[DonW]

So another question to those that have done the muriatic acid bath:

1) I would think I could scrub half my rock and bath the other half so I can retain some of the life. Does this seem reasonable? Is it worth it?

2) What kind of ratio do you use and for how long do you let it soak? I know it doesn't take long to break down the corraline algae when I use a diluted acid bath so I wouldn't expect long.

Thanks for all the inputs everyone. I really appreciate it.

I would just do small portions at a time so the tank doesnt cycle. A pint of 30% like you get at HD in a 5g bucket of water will clean it real nice. The acid will be neutralized real quick anyways so you really dont have to soak it very long.

Don

 

[reedman]

Don, thanks for your great patience....sometimes I wonder how you deal with all of us asking these questions of you. I for one am very grateful you are here.

Thank you!

 

[DonW]

Don, thanks for your great patience....sometimes I wonder how you deal with all of us asking these questions of you. I for one am very grateful you are here.

Thank you!

Your welcome, hope it works for you. Remember add acid to the water NOT water to acid.

Don

 

[reedman]

Remember add acid to the water NOT water to acid.

Don

Ironically, this one I remember from high school chem class :shock: Thanks!

 

[Curtswearing]

Your welcome, hope it works for you. Remember add acid to the water NOT water to acid.

Don

Thank you Don!!!

 

[reedman]

I will say this....my rock seemed lighter after the soak in acid and it certainly cleaned up nice. I still need to soak a little more and then pressurewash & blow it out with the air compressor, but I am seeing big changes in the rock. I scrubbed the rest of the rock too, so now it's just a matter of patience and water changes along with small batches of acid bathes every couple of weeks. slow and steady. I'll post updates as they happen.

PS: I found a foot long bristle worm in my rockwork as a result of all this...man that guy was fat and happy until I found him.

 

[DonW]

I will say this....my rock seemed lighter after the soak in acid and it certainly cleaned up nice. I still need to soak a little more and then pressurewash & blow it out with the air compressor, but I am seeing big changes in the rock. I scrubbed the rest of the rock too, so now it's just a matter of patience and water changes along with small batches of acid bathes every couple of weeks. slow and steady. I'll post updates as they happen.

PS: I found a foot long bristle worm in my rockwork as a result of all this...man that guy was fat and happy until I found him.

If you have time post a few pics here or in scooties sterile tank thread. Would be nice for folks to see some real pictures.

Don

 

[reedman]

Well Don,

Here you go....I don't have pics of the rocks yet (they are still soaking), but here is the 5 gallon bucket they are sitting in and the "tool" I am using to clean them. The bucket reminds me of a big skimmer with all that dirty foam. I posted an older pic of some rock just for reference. It had corraline, hair algae, and sponges on it. I really would have liked to keep the good stuff, but you have to sacrifice sometimes.

 

[DonW]

Well Don,

Here you go....I don't have pics of the rocks yet (they are still soaking), but here is the 5 gallon bucket they are sitting in and the "tool" I am using to clean them. The bucket reminds me of a big skimmer with all that dirty foam.

Its doing a good job. Looks like it may take another round of clean water.

Don

 

[reedman]

You aren't kidding Don. I was surprised to see that much foam. I know when I used to clean the pumps and skimmer with acid it would foam, but this is filthy. I know it's going to make a big difference. I just have to watch for spikes in the tank parameters.