Soaking macro rocks on muriatic acid

[karsseboom]

I will be buying some rock and was wondering what the process people use when doing this? How much rinse is done after and how long do you leave in soaking?

[bertoni]

A thorough rinsing should be fine. I think most people let the rock sit in the acid for 20-30 minutes.

[biecacka]

Jon, after letting set in the acid how long should they "cure"?
How many times to dip in acid?
Ratio of water to acid?
During cure process in dark container for a few weeks or so can I seed that with a few pieces of live rock?
Thank you
Corey

[bertoni]

The idea behind the acid treatment is that the rock has a thin surface layer of calcium carbonate that's contaminated with phosphate. Exactly how deep that layer might be, we don't know, so we don't really know how long to treat the rock. One 20-minute dip seems fine in most cases.

I refuse to work with muriatic acid, but if I ever change my mind, I'd add one part acid to 10 parts water. Never add water to acid. It can boil and splatter.

You can start curing the live rock as soon as it's been rinsed. Adding some live rock to the curing tank might help speed the process.

[biecacka]

Your reason for refusal to work w muriatic acid?
Corey

[bertoni]

It is very dangerous if it gets splashed into someone's eyes, and can be rather destructive in general.

[biecacka]

Do you have other recommendations
Corey

[bertoni]

I would cure the live rock in a tub, and treat with lanthanum chloride until the phosphate stayed at zero for at least a few days.