boiling rocks?

heathlindner25 · 06/13/2012, 02:29 PM

what's the procedure for boiling a rock I got some the other day from a friend that has some hydroids on it, so I boiled it now I'm wondering how long should let it sit out in the sun or what?

Psirex · 06/13/2012, 02:36 PM

Give them an acid wash and can use them in a matter of a couple days... After the acid wash rinse really well in ro\di water...

heathlindner25 · 06/13/2012, 02:52 PM

little bit of a newbie what kind of acid? the boiling water take care of it, without acid?

Psirex · 06/13/2012, 03:01 PM

muriatic acid - can get it from Lowes, Home Depot, ACE\Phillips Hardware (recommended choice).

I used a 5:1 ratio of water:acid

I suggest doing it in a well ventilated space and have some fresh ro\di water on hand to dilute the mixture when ready to take the rocks out.....

heathlindner25 · 06/13/2012, 03:05 PM

so stuff will still live on the rock after an hour of boiling it in water? I don't want to go to the store!!!

rrasco · 06/13/2012, 03:27 PM

MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO PALYS OR ZOAS WHEN BOILING ROCKS! That is all.

Yes, caps were completely necessary.

heathlindner25 · 06/13/2012, 03:30 PM

could you explain a little further, I know they're kind of poisonous when you frag them, but all capital letters!!!

Woodchuck12 · 06/13/2012, 03:42 PM

Zoas and Palys produce a substance called palytoxin (I believe, could be wrong) and when you boil them the toxin becomes airborne with the steam. Breathing it in can be fatal

rrasco · 06/13/2012, 04:03 PM

They're not kind of poisonous, they are one of the most toxic substances known to man. As woodchuck said, the toxin can turn to vapor and be inhaled, potentially being lethal. It is a very real threat in this hobby.

on the spot · 06/13/2012, 04:52 PM

However, having already boiled the rock...little late on the what to do.
someone needs a checklist.

The boiling (really can't believe people literally boil rock, but that's for another thread) should have killed everything, yes.

An acid wash is used to dissolve the outer "skin" on the rock, to remove phosphate. While it's out, I'd suggest doing it.

SushiGirl · 06/13/2012, 10:12 PM

People tend to take the "boiling rock" or "cooking rock" literally. Really the terms shouldn't be used without an explanation of what they mean each time!

Reefahholic · 06/13/2012, 10:17 PM

Do not boil your rock!!!! It's dangerous.............

tkeracer619 · 06/13/2012, 10:19 PM

I almost died earlier this year from palytoxin poison from steam inhalation. The caps were necessary and I will add to them.

DO NOT BOIL ROCK. POISONS ASIDE IT IS DANGEROUS. DROP THE ROCK AND YOU ARE SCARRED FOR LIFE. It can also explode sending boiling water and shrapnel flying.

We know you already did it. This is for those searching that think its a great idea.

sirreal63 · 06/13/2012, 10:46 PM

I am stunned every time I see people doing this, it isn't pasta and can be dangerous. Hydroids are easy to eliminate without killing the rock. A few drops of muriatic acid on them and watch them dissolve. Doesn't kill the rock, neutralizes quickly and prevents them from living. Works on aiptasia too, a few drops and rinse with a turkey blaster of saltwater. Pretty easy with minimal impact to the rock.

I know you did it, but please don't, I hate reading about people in the paper.

06/13/2012, 02:29 PM	#1
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	boiling rocks? what's the procedure for boiling a rock I got some the other day from a friend that has some hydroids on it, so I boiled it now I'm wondering how long should let it sit out in the sun or what?

06/13/2012, 02:36 PM	#2
Psirex Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 1,934	Give them an acid wash and can use them in a matter of a couple days... After the acid wash rinse really well in ro\di water... __________________ SALINITY NOW....

06/13/2012, 03:01 PM	#4
Psirex Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 1,934	muriatic acid - can get it from Lowes, Home Depot, ACE\Phillips Hardware (recommended choice). I used a 5:1 ratio of water:acid I suggest doing it in a well ventilated space and have some fresh ro\di water on hand to dilute the mixture when ready to take the rocks out..... __________________ SALINITY NOW....

06/13/2012, 03:27 PM	#6
rrasco Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,159	MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO PALYS OR ZOAS WHEN BOILING ROCKS! That is all. Yes, caps were completely necessary. __________________ -You had me at PWM

06/13/2012, 04:03 PM	#9
rrasco Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,159	They're not kind of poisonous, they are one of the most toxic substances known to man. As woodchuck said, the toxin can turn to vapor and be inhaled, potentially being lethal. It is a very real threat in this hobby. __________________ -You had me at PWM

06/13/2012, 02:52 PM	#3
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	little bit of a newbie what kind of acid? the boiling water take care of it, without acid?

06/13/2012, 03:05 PM	#5
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	so stuff will still live on the rock after an hour of boiling it in water? I don't want to go to the store!!!

06/13/2012, 03:30 PM	#7
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	could you explain a little further, I know they're kind of poisonous when you frag them, but all capital letters!!!

06/13/2012, 03:42 PM	#8
Woodchuck12 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Nebraska Posts: 245	Zoas and Palys produce a substance called palytoxin (I believe, could be wrong) and when you boil them the toxin becomes airborne with the steam. Breathing it in can be fatal

06/13/2012, 04:52 PM	#10
on the spot Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Michigan Posts: 1,010	However, having already boiled the rock...little late on the what to do. someone needs a checklist. The boiling (really can't believe people literally boil rock, but that's for another thread) should have killed everything, yes. An acid wash is used to dissolve the outer "skin" on the rock, to remove phosphate. While it's out, I'd suggest doing it.

06/13/2012, 10:12 PM	#11
SushiGirl Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Fort Worth, TX USA Posts: 8,267	People tend to take the "boiling rock" or "cooking rock" literally. Really the terms shouldn't be used without an explanation of what they mean each time! __________________ Visit my Homepage or "My Albums" (via Profile) for hitchhiker pics. Current Tank Info: 55g softy/LPS tank & 20L reef tank

06/13/2012, 10:17 PM	#12
Reefahholic Moved On Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: League City, Texas Posts: 3,974	Do not boil your rock!!!! It's dangerous.............

06/13/2012, 10:19 PM	#13
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I almost died earlier this year from palytoxin poison from steam inhalation. The caps were necessary and I will add to them. DO NOT BOIL ROCK. POISONS ASIDE IT IS DANGEROUS. DROP THE ROCK AND YOU ARE SCARRED FOR LIFE. It can also explode sending boiling water and shrapnel flying. We know you already did it. This is for those searching that think its a great idea. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

06/13/2012, 10:46 PM	#14
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	I am stunned every time I see people doing this, it isn't pasta and can be dangerous. Hydroids are easy to eliminate without killing the rock. A few drops of muriatic acid on them and watch them dissolve. Doesn't kill the rock, neutralizes quickly and prevents them from living. Works on aiptasia too, a few drops and rinse with a turkey blaster of saltwater. Pretty easy with minimal impact to the rock. I know you did it, but please don't, I hate reading about people in the paper. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.