Fresh start. How to clean live rock.

Gdk414 · Dec 11, 2016

So I just picked up a biocube and the liverock is covered in hair algae. I want to start fresh and clean everything. I tried scrubbing it off with a wire brush but wasn't too effective.
What is a good way to remove all that stubborn green hair algae so I can re cure/ re cycle this rock and tank. Thanks

Gdk414 · Dec 11, 2016

Also wondering if I could clean the sand? Or should I throw it away?

Fish_BowLisha · Dec 11, 2016

Gdk414 said:
So I just picked up a biocube and the liverock is covered in hair algae. I want to start fresh and clean everything. I tried scrubbing it off with a wire brush but wasn't too effective.
What is a good way to remove all that stubborn green hair algae so I can re cure/ re cycle this rock and tank. Thanks

Looks like a great piece for a refugium[emoji854]

Fish_BowLisha · Dec 11, 2016

Fish_BowLisha said:
Looks like a great piece for a refugium[emoji854]

You could just leave it, cycle the tank, and get a yellow tang. Mine did an awesome job munching on green algae. [emoji225]

JaimeAdams · Dec 11, 2016

I would get new sand. The rock I would clean in bleach first, rinse well, dry out and then a nice bath in muriatic acid. Try to search function and will find many write ups on the process.

Elementalj · Dec 11, 2016

If you've got time and resources, why not re-cure it. Should take about 6-8 weeks.

Gdk414 · Dec 11, 2016

I was hoping there was a method to clean the rock like boiling it or cooking it in the oven? Maybe a pressure washer? Am I just crazy lol and should start with new rock.? I want to use it in the biocube. I don't mind waiting months or weeks for it to be live again

Elementalj · Dec 11, 2016

Gdk414 said:
I was hoping there was a method to clean the rock like boiling it or cooking it in the oven? Maybe a pressure washer? Am I just crazy lol and should start with new rock.? I want to use it in the biocube. I don't mind waiting months or weeks for it to be live again

I would not do that. Atomizing the stuff coming off the rock could possibly poison you or your housemates. Remember, not all living things are peaceful in death.

Elementalj · Dec 11, 2016

Gdk414 said:
I was hoping there was a method to clean the rock like boiling it or cooking it in the oven? Maybe a pressure washer? Am I just crazy lol and should start with new rock.? I want to use it in the biocube. I don't mind waiting months or weeks for it to be live again

A vinegar bath will acidify just about everything on the surface. It'll also degrade the exterior of the rock. With bleach, the porosity of the rock becomes the hazard, because the chlorine can become trapped somewhere inside, and later released. Just take the time and scrub, and recycle in a tub or five gallon bucket with a lid. The algae will die off in darkness and decompose further feeding the nitrifying bacteria.