Bleach & Dechlorinater for Cleaning Dead-Rock?

[SauceyReef]

I have some old Live Rock that has been sitting in a tub dry for years. I definitely want to clean it before adding it in my newly planned tank. I was recommended Bleach & Dechlorinater. Does anyone mind sharing what Bleach and Dechlorinator to get? Anything works?

It boggles me that we can use bleach to clean liverock going in a reef tank, but I guess that is what the Dechlorinator is for. It is for like 20 lbs of liverock so not much.

Would anything else work? Hydrogen Peroxide just seems a lot less "abrasive" and chemical fueled. I would rather do this if it works fine.

 

[JTP424]

As far as I know regarding bleach, make sure it is NOT the splashless kind. Normal, run of the mill, bleach is what you want.

 

[Cell]

If you fully air dry the rock, dechlorinator is not necessary. But it won't hurt.

 

[SauceyReef]

Wondering if either of these are fine.

 

[SauceyReef]

If you fully air dry the rock, dechlorinator is not necessary. But it won't hurt.

I am greatly worried about old dead organics stuck in the rockwork. It is totally dried out from years of sitting in storage, but COVERED in old dead algae, hydroids, feather dusters, etc.

 

[Cell]

I can't see the label clearly, but if the Clorox is not labeled as splashless, that's your choice. Avoid the other one it sounds like it has other additives.

 

[JTP424]

Regarding the two you note above, as long as they don't have any additives etc, no scents, they SHOULD work. Additionally, I've done something similar... but I ended up not using a dechlorinator. I soaked in bleach for... a week maybe more... then i kept swapping the water for pure RO. basically kept switching the RO every week until i was getting no readings on some test strips. then air dried.

*Edit, my rocks were full of dead corals etc and i've reused them since.

 

[Cell]

I am greatly worried about old dead organics stuck in the rockwork. It is totally dried out from years of sitting in storage, but COVERED in old dead algae, hydroids, feather dusters, etc.

The bleach bath should break down most organics or at least loosen them up so you can rinse them off.

 

[SauceyReef]

Anyone mind sharing a dechlorinator to get? Is hydrogen peroxide a fine alternative?

 

[mfinn]

I've done the bleach soak to get rid of unwanted algae, palys, etc. and I always use a dechlorinator soak afterwards. Just something I started doing years ago and still do now.
I use API Tap Water Conditioner.

 

[SauceyReef]

I've done the bleach soak to get rid of unwanted algae, palys, etc. and I always use a dechlorinator soak afterwards. Just something I started doing years ago and still do now.
I use API Tap Water Conditioner.

Any specific bleach you use?

 

[edd59]

i would use muriatic acid 10:1 water. it will get all the nasties off. then bleech, do it outdoors.
if you do the bleech dechlorinator is not needed, chlorine disipates fast.

 

[kdx7214]

I guess I'm just different, but I've always put the rock in an oven at 350F for a few hours, let it cool, then dunked it in boiling water, and let it cool. That has always seemed to work just fine for me.

 

[mfinn]

Any specific bleach you use?

Cheapest with no additives

 

[SauceyReef]

Has anyone ever used Hydrogen Peroxide with success?

 

[mfinn]

Has anyone ever used Hydrogen Peroxide with success?

I have not tried using HP. But for stripping organic material off of rock so far bleach has been my go to.
I'd like to hear if it can do as well.
Is the cost similar?

 

[SauceyReef]

I have not tried using HP. But for stripping organic material off of rock so far bleach has been my go to.
I'd like to hear if it can do as well.
Is the cost similar?

Curious also. For now I am just going to get a bottle of clorox, and the API Tap Water conditioner, plus changing the water a few times.

When I mix the bleach and water for the rock - how much bleach do I put in?

 

[Spare time]

Has anyone ever used Hydrogen Peroxide with success?

You could get a concentrated hydrogen peroxide if you need something stronger than regular hydrogen peroxide products. This would be my route.

Maybe something like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Harris-...roxide-All-Purpose-Cleaner-HP12-128/325079499

 

[mfinn]

Curious also. For now I am just going to get a bottle of clorox, and the API Tap Water conditioner, plus changing the water a few times.

When I mix the bleach and water for the rock - how much bleach do I put in?

I have always used general measurements. 2-3 cups of bleach to 4-5 gallons of water.
Soak for 24 hours. Dump the water, rinse and do a 24 hour conditioner soak.

 

[SauceyReef]

Just ordered the Clorox Original Liquid and API Water Treatment! Hopefully I dont blow anything up lol