How do I make dry rock white again

AndyOneTwentyFive · Apr 16, 2016

Hey guys and gals sorry if this has already been discussed I've found some information on it but not enough.

I purchased a complete 125 system which included dry reef saver rock. The Rock is stained green on the sides which were exposed to light. I want to make it look new. I've already tried vinegar and it killed a lot of organic matter (lots of nasty foam) but the rock still looks the same. I have purchased muriatic acid and plan to go that route but I want to make sure I do it exactly right as I already wasted money on vinegar that didn't work.

I understand you are supposed to mix 1 part acid to 10 parts water. I have a 45 gallon brute can filled just about to the top with rock. So I bought 4 gallons of acid. (I will probably only need 3 accounting for displacement of the rock [not sure how to calculate such a thing])

My main questions are:
1. Do I neutralize the acid with baking soda?
2. If so how much baking soda do I use and do I add it just after the acid or at the end of the soak?
3. How long do I soak the rock?
4. Are circulation pumps required/will the acid ruin them?
5. Should I do it outside?

I already know I need to use protective equipment such as gloves and goggles ect.

Any information is much appreciated. Thanks.

alyee5 · Apr 16, 2016

I did the muriatic acid wash treatment to my pukani prior to setting up my reef tank.

From my experience,
1) Yes, I neutralized the acid with baking soda after I was done with the treatment.

2) I bought 2 large boxes at Walmart ( the size of cereal boxes). I don't think I needed that much because the pukani itself was neutralizing the acid as evidenced by diminishing amount of foaming over time. I added the baking soda at the end after I removed the rock from the bath.

3) I soaked my rock anywhere from 20 to 30+ minutes. I actually dipped and removed my rock in sections. The first set took 20 minutes and the second set took longer due to the acid being neutralized as I said. The third set I remixed a fresh batch of acid/water. I took them out of the acid bath a put in a brute trash can of RO water to rinse and let soak for a few days.

4) no circulation pumps where used, I used 30 gallon totes so I was able to rotate the rocks a bit with a pvc pipe or with my hand (using acid resistant gloves, eye protection and closed toed shoes). I personally wouldn't mix metallic parts and electricity to the procedure as it is danger factor was high enough already for me.

5). Yes definitely do it outside. Plan on where you will dump the waste solution also. Have a garden hose ready in case of accidental contact and for general cleanup.

My advice would be to mix a small quantity of acid and water and do a small piece of rock first to get an idea of how long to soak, how much foaming you'll be dealing with and see if you get the desired effect to your rock that you envisioned.

Good luck!

AndyOneTwentyFive · Apr 16, 2016

Wow you literally cleared this whole thing up for me. I can't thank you enough and I'm so glad I asked this awesome community.

Thank You! I will try and post before and after pictures as well as pictures of the process.

Aznxgqboyx · Apr 16, 2016

Leave it outside for couple weeks. Seriously

AndyOneTwentyFive · Apr 16, 2016

Aznxgqboyx said:
Leave it outside for couple weeks. Seriously

You've done this? Does the sun bleach the rock white or something?

reef_junkie · Apr 16, 2016

Sun bleaching works best if you soak in bleach and then leave to sit outside. But the sun will do it for you given enough time all by itself.

AndyOneTwentyFive · Apr 16, 2016

That's an intriguing concept. The weather here in Ohio has been unfavorable or that might have been a great route to go

saltyphish · Apr 16, 2016

Where in Ohio?

AndyOneTwentyFive · Apr 16, 2016

Outside of Toledo

JPSika08 · Apr 16, 2016

I have used bleach, IMHO less risky, also, bleach evaporates within 24 - 48 hours or so if you leave them under the sun, I did this with my Marco Rocks and worked like a charm.

AndyOneTwentyFive · Apr 16, 2016

JPSika08 said:
I have used bleach, IMHO less risky, also, bleach evaporates within 24 - 48 hours or so if you leave them under the sun, I did this with my Marco Rocks and worked like a charm.

Thanks JPS. I'm gonna go the acid route since I already bought it but that's good information for the next time around.

Fin · Apr 16, 2016

I used to leave all of my coral skeletons outside (before there was live rock) with only a rinsing and 2-3 weeks later, it looked as if it had been bleached white. So yes, it does work. A lot cheaper and you won't have to do all of that messing around with acid.

Stephanie11 · Apr 16, 2016

alyee5 is right. It's not rocket science. I've done it a number of times.

Look up some YouTube videos.

maroun.c · Apr 17, 2016

I've had good results with bleach as well.

chefjpaul · Apr 17, 2016

Vinegar

JPergamo · Apr 17, 2016

+1 on the acid wash I did it a month ago for my new build. Worked wonders, seems you have the info and are on the right track. Good luck!

Justin D · Apr 23, 2016

W

alyee5 said:
I did the muriatic acid wash treatment to my pukani prior to setting up my reef tank.

From my experience,
1) Yes, I neutralized the acid with baking soda after I was done with the treatment.

2) I bought 2 large boxes at Walmart ( the size of cereal boxes). I don't think I needed that much because the pukani itself was neutralizing the acid as evidenced by diminishing amount of foaming over time. I added the baking soda at the end after I removed the rock from the bath.

3) I soaked my rock anywhere from 20 to 30+ minutes. I actually dipped and removed my rock in sections. The first set took 20 minutes and the second set took longer due to the acid being neutralized as I said. The third set I remixed a fresh batch of acid/water. I took them out of the acid bath a put in a brute trash can of RO water to rinse and let soak for a few days.

4) no circulation pumps where used, I used 30 gallon totes so I was able to rotate the rocks a bit with a pvc pipe or with my hand (using acid resistant gloves, eye protection and closed toed shoes). I personally wouldn't mix metallic parts and electricity to the procedure as it is danger factor was high enough already for me.

5). Yes definitely do it outside. Plan on where you will dump the waste solution also. Have a garden hose ready in case of accidental contact and for general cleanup.

My advice would be to mix a small quantity of acid and water and do a small piece of rock first to get an idea of how long to soak, how much foaming you'll be dealing with and see if you get the desired effect to your rock that you envisioned.

Good luck!

What about using vinegar?