Dead Rock

[DwightKeenan]

I have about 70 lbs of live rock that I took out of my 75g as I am preparing to move. I want the rock to die and clean it up, so when I reuse it I won't have problems.

I have been reading about cooking rock and don't see the need to cook this since it is going to be dry for a while.

What is the best way to handle this?

Thanks

[mtfatwork]

dry it out in the sun for a few days. Then take a pressure washer to all of it, and then give it a dip in muratic (I think that is the type)acid/ water mix. Let it dry out again and you should be nice and clean :)

[mtfatwork]

lol, it is almost easier to just cook it...lol.

[DwightKeenan]

But isn't cooking meant for people that want to keep it somewhat alive?

I just want to be able to use it in 2-3 months and not have to worry about algea or anything.

[John_Salmon]

yes it is muratic acid.... the important thing is that this process removes phosperous build up on the rock which just natually occurs over time.

here is a link to some discussion on it....
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/printthread.php?threadid=1035375&perpage=65

I can't find the origonal message that i was looking for but the Randy-holmes guy on the reeftank is the one that really knows what he is talking about.

[John_Salmon]

by the way, this is the only way that you will get the phosperous out of the rock(i think you can also use vinigar but need alot). and since you are killing off the rock for an extended period of time you really should take the time to do it. I did some more searching around to try and get the mixing ratio but couldn't find it.. I thought that you could possibly pm the guy that i mentioned but after this article

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1063441&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

he has aparently steped down...

[David Grigor]

It's 1/10 ratio of muratic acid and ro/di water.

You want to leave it in just long enough to stop bubbling. If you leave it in for an extended period of time, it will dissolve the rock too. Just for a few hours though it isn't an issue......

[epidemic]

where does one find muratic acid?

[DwightKeenan]

John & David,

Thanks for the info. Ironically I have a gallon or muratic acid sitting at home that is just waiting to be used. Someone used it to clear a clogged drain at an old house of mine.

I will start the process on a Saturday morning and watch it until it stops bubbling.

I also busted the rock up from giant pieces to smaller pieces and will be drilling it again to make a much nicer aquascape.

Thaks again.

[John_Salmon]

where does one find muratic acid?

menards, runnings, home depot, lowes........just to name a few. You can also order it from sysco or reinheart if you have access to food distribution channels. also any place that you would by spa or pool supplies.

[BiochemRobyn]

Okay, just to go over the steps again because I'm afraid I'll screw up:
1. Buy acid (home depot, ect)
2. Do a 1/10 ratio of muratic acid and ro/di water
3. Soak until it stops bubbling (a couple of hours)
4. Do three complete rinses
5. Soak for 1 week and rinse. Repeat 3 times.

Does that sound good? Do I need that many rinses?

[John_Salmon]

Robyn, I don't know if you need to get that extream with that may rinses. I would just skip #4 on your list, then just soak for 1 week and then just do two more quick rinses. The acid will become inactive in the long soak if not in the first couple of hours.

[DwightKeenan]

Two more questions based on using the acid:

1. Can I use the 10/90 acid/water mix for more than one batch of rock?
2. What do I do with the acid/wter when I am done with it? Can it go down the drain?

[wolrey]

The acid will be "used up" by the process. You'll have to use a new mix of water/acid for any new batches. You can safely pour the used up liquid down the drain. When acid reacts, you get a salt and additional water. The type of salt depends on what acid, but either way it will be safe.

Jeff

[BiochemRobyn]

In the lab, we usually counteracted any acid with a base (such as draino) and then poured it down the drain. So you could go to the store and pick up a bottle of draino.

HOWEVER,

There is the cheap (or lazy lab person) way: just add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to buffer it and then pour it down the drain.

[wolrey]

Lol, pouring draino into unused muratic acid isn't recommended. You get scary boiling water from the reaction.

Even if there is some acid leftover after the soaking, just flush plenty of water down the drain after you pour it out and you'll be fine.

Jeff

[John_Salmon]

Lol, pouring draino into unused muratic acid isn't recommended. You get scary boiling water from the reaction.

Even if there is some acid leftover after the soaking, just flush plenty of water down the drain after you pour it out and you'll be fine.

Jeff

I second that one... Often times acid is used to clean off calcium deposits in the toilet. There is no adverse effects on the pvp usually, High concitrations of acid on the pvp over time can make the pipe britle but that wont happen with your used up acid water.

[BiochemRobyn]

Lol, pouring draino into unused muratic acid isn't recommended. You get scary boiling water from the reaction.

Even if there is some acid leftover after the soaking, just flush plenty of water down the drain after you pour it out and you'll be fine.

Jeff

LOL... I guess I should have made the disclaimer that in the lab we did everything under hoods, in very slow and diluted doses, wearing goggles, gloves, and labcoats.

Yeah- on second thought- DON'T BUY THE DRAINO!

[DwightKeenan]

Too funny.

Acid, drano, used acid, no drano.....

Sounds like a meth lab. :freak6:

Thanks for the help