Dry rock.

I have about 50 to 60 lbs of dry dead rock that's been out of water several months. I rinsed it pretty good. One big piece has hair algae on it. What's a good safe way to get that off and after is it ok to add to my 90 build with my live rock ?

 

This is the piece with the hair algae on it. You can see the green. I bet it's a 25 lb chunk.

 

If it's been out of the water for months I imagine a hose could blast it off. Or the toothbrush pictured. When I wanted to kill live rock I soaked it in a 1:1 bleach water solution for 24 hours, then RO for 24 hours then sun dried for a week, then another RO soak and into the tank it went.

 

The toothbrush didn't touch it. Stuff is on there. I was thinking a power washer at the car wash.

 

peroxide really zaps algae - no need for scrubbing.

 

Just pour it on or soak in ?

 

Make sure you rinse the rock really well in RODI after you finish your peroxide treatment. Really well.

 

Unfortunately bleaching rock is not the best way to fully clean it. Although it makes it nice n white and after drying it looks good enough to add to the tank. The truth is the bleached live rock can still leach phosphates back into the tank. I have been there personally and wish I knew better.

The trick is to use acid. Muratic acids (hydrochloric acid)will strip the rock completely so it can be used without worrying about leaching phosphates. The process in which to treat is the same as bleaching but sub the bleach with acid

 

Where can you get Muratic Acid. And do you mix it with water and soak overnight or something.

 

http://reefsanctuary.com/forum/index.php?threads/muriatic-acid-bath-live-rock-rebirth.85996/

Here is what one guy did. Just did a quick google search. There are so many ways people chose to do it.

I would think a landscaping or stone company would carry some don't know if you need a special permit or anything. I just happen to be lucky and know good people. And you would add it to water to I think a 1:10 ratio I could be wrong. So just do a quick search. It's been a while since I've had to do this and every time I revert to google for info.