Adding acid dipped rock back to established DT

[smokinreefer]

Kind of on topic...
Do you need a special reservoir to do acid bath?
Can I just use a Rubbermaid garbage can?

Thanks!

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

Can I just use a Rubbermaid garbage can?

Yes.

Please take care using acid and have a box or two of arm and hammer baking soda on hand to neutralize the acid, or apply directly to skin in case of a burn. Don't forget gloves and Eyewear.

1 part acid to 10 parts water. Add the acid to the water... NOT WATER TO ACID!!!!

[smokinreefer]

Thanks for the tips.

Where can one purchase the acid?

I've got a Rubbermaid full of old dried up rock I'd like to resuse.

[WarDog]

Canadian Tire. In the pool section.

[vanreefer]

Originally Posted by WarDog

Canadian Tire. In the pool section.

Or my local Rona has it too

[smokinreefer]

Thanks everyone!

[maron6977]

Can't you use vinegar, that's what I've done in the past & works great . Safer to handle.
Any advantage to the acid ?

[jostafew]

You can get the muriatic acid at Rona. I did the same thing to try to cure a phosphate with my LR. Cooked it in Acid, then neutralized the remaining acid/water combo with baking soda. RO soak, then back in the tank. No problems at all. Be warned that you'll want to do this somewhere that can handle a fountain of acidic foam pouring out of your container!

If you're going to do this, be sure to start with your container already holding the required amount of water, then add add the acid to it. Very important that you don't go the other way around.

[smokinreefer]

I'm going to be cleaning a 30G Rubbermaid full of rock...
How much baking soda should I have on hand to neutralize this?

And how do you know when it's done?

Thanks!

[vanreefer]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

I'm going to be cleaning a 30G Rubbermaid full of rock...
How much baking soda should I have on hand to neutralize this?

And how do you know when it's done?

Thanks!

The bubbling will be very aggressive at the beginning of the process... as far as “being done” it’s when ur happy with the appearance of the rock or the bubbling (hydrochloride acid being neutralized by the bicarbonate in the rock) slows or nearly stops... I use xtra heavy duty rubber gloves to pull out some pieces and inspect them. Please be very very very careful as the acid will burn ur skin and destroy ur clothes.
I usually put 1/2 a small box in when I’m done. More may be required if the rock was only bathed for a short time.
Remember to do this outside as the fumes are fairly intense
Good luck
VR