help with dry rock

[Saltwatercoral2]

Alright, so when I had my tank setup, I had a pretty bad Hair algae problem. I decided to shut the tank down and I dried the rock out. Its been out of water for 2-3 months. I moved also, so that was a nother factor for tearing it down.

So I am ready to set back up a new tank, and I am wondering, will the hair algae still be inthe rock and when i set it up will it just come back?

If so, What should I do to remove the phosphates from my rock?

 

[jerpa]

Algae spores may be in the rock but they still need nitrates and phosphates to grow. You can't keep all forms of algae out of your tank so focus on the nutrients. If the rock is the problem you can research lanthanum chloride dosing to treat the rock before you put it in the tank. You could also use GFO if you are more comfortable with that although it will probably cost more as you will have to change it often.

 

[Saltwatercoral2]

My tank will be at the store wednesday, and i am picking it up either Thurs. Friday or saturday, It depends if I have time before work. So im open for anything.. I remember reading something about people putting it in Acid of some sort and it helping get rid of the stuff in the rock,BUt it also shrunk up the rock a bit. I would be ok with this method but I dont remember the exact things I need.

 

[Finland]

People have acid washed dry rock in muriatic acid to clean therock. Apparently it removes the outer layer of the rock and reduces the P04. There is a big thread on how to do it. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1587539&highlight=acid+wash

 

[Patzig]

lanthanum chloride is a good choice I think. Especially for dead dry rock.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2049855

 

[bertoni]

Muriatic acid can be used to remove any potential surface layer of phosphate, but it requires careful handling!

I agree that lanthanum chloride can be a good choice, too. Just be sure to rinse the precipitate off the rock when the curing is done, IMO.