Phosphate binding in rocks?

[Ian]

Im getting ready to tear down my current tank and will start a new one in a month or two. Ive always fought high phosphates in the tank and also had a high bioload.

The new tank will use the existing rock and sand but Ive heard that phosphate can bind in the rock. Id like to do whatever I need to do to clean the rock of any po4 so it doesn't become an issue in the new tank.

First off, is there any truth to po4 rock binding and if so, what can I do in the meantime to remove it from the rocks before I set it up in the new tank?

 

[fishmonger2]

Yes, it is possible for phosphates to slowly leach out of the live rock. While I do not know how to remove phosphate before it's in the tank I can offer suggestions once the tank is set up.

Poly filters will put the PO4 out a little bit but some long term solutions would be phosphate reactors, but if your levels are really high you might have to replace the media frequently. A refugium will also help in pulling out that phosphate very well. Lastly, carbon dosing and microbacter will help drop your PO4 and N03 to 0.

I use a combination of all of those methods and P04 is no longer a problem for me.

 

[Ian]

thanks man, Ive dealt with all that stuff in the existing tank.

My goal here is to remove the po4 before I set it up in the new tank...

 

[jenglish]

2 solutions-

cooking the rock- letting bacteria pull the PO4 out over the course of months

Muriatic acid wash- dissolving the top layer of rock where the majority of the PO4 is bound. It is quick and doesn't noticeably harm the rocks. It does however sterilize the rock. Also it is dangerous stuff to mess around with.

you may want to ask in the chem forum for a more thorough breakdown.

 

[Reefer Brian]

I too am about to set up a larger tank and have my LR in a large tub with power head/heater/skimmer and reactor with Rowa Phos...The PO4 is now near zero and started at 0.25. I guess all you can do is clean it well and put it in a tub with a reactor and keep the water changed. What type if tank is next?

 

[KafudaFish]

As Jeremy stated cooking the rock is an easy way of doing this. All you need to do is get a trash can or use your sump and leave everything alone in the dark until you are ready for your new tank.

Clean and dunk the rocks before you remove them and then check on them every week or so and you will be suprised what comes off.

 

[Reefer Brian]

Cooking the rock is a long process...then you have to reseed it and then wait for it to form its color back...