Lanthanum treatment for dead rocks

[AJK_2603]

Hi,
I got some dead rocks for my scape. I have treated them in hot water and then used hydrogen peroxide 50% with nano silver. I want to remove phosphate bound with them, so I thought of treating them with Lanthanum chloride. There will be no livestock in it, so I thought of using a high dose. I want to know whether I should use a pump for recirculating it or let it stagnate. What if I keep dosing without removing the precipitate?

I planned to DIY Lanthanum Dosing by Randy. I also like to know others' opinions. @Randy Holmes-Farley, please share your thoughts and suggestions. Thank you

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’d stir it.

What led you to use silver? I’m a little concerned about removing any that may stick to the rocks.

 

[AJK_2603]

I’d stir it.

What led you to use silver? I’m a little concerned about removing any that may stick to the rocks.

The rocks had a strong odor and contained organic debris (dead insects), which raised concerns about pathogenic bacterial spores, so I treated them with it, which I normally use for hydroponic sterilization.

I was unaware of the silver's high binding to the rock surface at the time. What shall I do sir ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The rocks had a strong odor and contained organic debris (dead insects), which raised concerns about pathogenic bacterial spores, so I treated them with it, which I normally use for hydroponic sterilization.

I was unaware of the silver's high binding to the rock surface at the time. What shall I do sir ?

I don’t know if nanoparticles of silver will stick to it calcium carbonate surfaces. It may be perfectly fine.

Bleach will dissolve them and eliminate any concern, but again, I do not know if it’s an issue. My concern is just that you may not get a normal microbiome on rocks that do have a silver nanoparticle coating.

This paper exemplifies my concern:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33965099/

 

[AJK_2603]

The rocks had a strong odor and contained organic debris (dead insects), which raised concerns about pathogenic bacterial spores, so I treated them with it, which I normally use for hydroponic sterilization.

I was unaware of the silver's high binding to the rock surface at the time. What shall I do sir ?

I don’t know if nanoparticles of silver will stick to it calcium carbonate surfaces. It may be perfectly fine.

Bleach will dissolve them and eliminate any concern, but again, I do not know if it’s an issue. My concern is just that you may not get a normal microbiome on rocks that do have a silver nanoparticle coating.

This paper exemplifies my concern:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33965099/

That's bit scary. I actually did it that i want beneficial bacteria to colonize. Thank you for the concern sir. After treating with lanthanum chloride, I thought of soaking then in potassium permanganate. Instead of it, i will use bleach.

Is there any procedure for it ? Like how long it has to be soaked

 

[Dan_P]

That's bit scary. I actually did it that i want beneficial bacteria to colonize. Thank you for the concern sir. After treating with lanthanum chloride, I thought of soaking then in potassium permanganate. Instead of it, i will use bleach.

Is there any procedure for it ? Like how long it has to be soaked

I think you might want to stop treating the rocks with chemicals.

Either put the rocks in a garden and buy new ones or dissolve the surface off the rocks with acid, rinse with water and stop exposing them to any more chemicals.

A dilute (1-5%) strong acid like muriatic acid in a plastic bucket with a lid for24 hours outdoors would be one way to go. Vinegar would be safer, but it would take longer and.could require several changes.

I prefer the option of new rocks.

 

[FranklinDattein]

I wouldn't risk using dry rock that has been bathed with nano silver hydrogen peroxide. As Randy suggested, it may have stick to the rocks and if it did, it will take a long time for you to figure out and the solution is unknown. The first year of a tank is already hard enough and having contaminated rocks makes the experience much harder.

I wouldn't use lanthanum either, as it will also attach to surfaces specially in high concentrations.

 

[Lagoon Reef Keeper]

Maybe I’m old school, but I’d just keep the used dry rock in a Big tub of heated moving saltwater and just cure it. I wouldn’t go down chemical rabbit holes. Might take a while but just the price you pay for using old rock.

 

[AJK_2603]

Actually I didn't pour or soak them in hydrogen peroxide with nano silver. After the water became bit cold then I added 5-10ml of it into the container.