Bleaching Dead/Pukani Rock question (1 Viewer)

[rrr757]

I got dry pukani from a local reefer. Was sitting outside. I will be setting up my tank soon (lots still left, lol).

Question on bleaching how long should I let it soak in 1:10 or 2:20ish bleach/water ratio? Some people say 1-2 days, others say go a bit stronger and several hours, etc. I am planning when done with bleach to soak in dechlorinator, acid wash, then dry out and when tank is ready load it up.

Thanks

 

[webster1234]

I usually just do it for a day. I don't even think I go 1:10. I just put like a cup to a 5 gallon bucket. Soak for a day, then rinse with tap water and then soak in RODI water for another day. Then I cure in a tank seeded with bacteria for a few weeks before I put it in the display.

Sounds like your plan is solid though. Just make sure to soak in RODI after the acid wash and you should be good.

 

[Mark L.]

If you are going to acid wash it (muriatic acid) there's no need to bleach first. The acid will kill anything on the rock and will also remove a very fine layer of rock off the surface. After you acid wash the rock and rinse well I would then soak it in RO/DI water. Check the phosphate level of the water after a day or two. Make sure the rock isn't leaching phosphates. That's all you really need to do.

 

[rrr757]

Thanks, heard that bleach kills any of the organic materials if left on. But I want to be safe so overdoing it appreciate the feedback, should be hopefully starting the process soon. Cant wait to start my build thread.

 

[Mark L.]

Thanks, heard that bleach kills any of the organic materials if left on. But I want to be safe so overdoing it appreciate the feedback, should be hopefully starting the process soon. Cant wait to start my build thread.

Bleach will kill and make the rock very white. I was going to add, if you don't like messing with muriatic acid you can bleach also. That is perfectly acceptable. If you go that route, setting the rock in the sun for a couple days will neutralize the bleach. The only thing acid does better then bleach is help remove phosphates. That is because of the fine layer of rock that gets eaten away. This layer is typically where the phosphates are soaked into. I guess what I'm saying is pick one or the other. Don't really need to do both.

Lastly if you have plenty of time 6-8 weeks you can cook your rock. Check this out....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8-t1zDwaKg

 

[steveb]

do be careful when working with muratic acid - very much an inhalation hazard.

I suggest getting one of these if you have a large volume of rock you need to process...

3M 5303 Half-Face Respirator - Organic Vapor/Acid Gas

I use muratic acid all the time for our pool and it still gets me every now and then, so have started using the above..

better to be safe than end up in the ER.