cleaning a rock...
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Help
Forum Name: General Help
Forum Description: The place to ask about pest, problems, hitchhikers, etc.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=52033
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Topic: cleaning a rock...
Posted By: xlr8r
Subject: cleaning a rock...
Date Posted: October 19 2011 at 12:19pm
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I have a rock about the size of a softball. It is constantly covered with a "fluffy" red algea. Even when I have algea under control in all other areas of the tank, this algea remains. I have tried to scrub it off with a toothbrush it just wont come all the way off. This rock also has a small colony of favia on it (5 polyps grown from 1 which in kinda proud of so far). Ive heard of dipping rock in a 50/50 hydrogen peroxide/water solution. This sounds risky to me and I dont want to loose the favia. Any other suggestions. The algea really detracts from the favia. Thanks. ------------- When you hear hoofbeats....Think of a zebra |
Replies:
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: October 19 2011 at 3:48pm
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Is it Asperagopsis algae? ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: xlr8r
Date Posted: October 20 2011 at 10:38am
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No, Mark, I dont think it is. I googled it and looks nothing like what I have. Mine looks more like fluffy cotten but red in color. Id put up a photo but my computer is down and this on Im using is at work. It looks just like the fluffy green algea I find in my tank occationally. ------------- When you hear hoofbeats....Think of a zebra |
Posted By: MIK3B
Date Posted: October 20 2011 at 11:48am
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I had a rock that seemed to always get algae all over it, I used to scrub the heck out of it with a stiff wire brush and it would always come back. It was tenacious!
Put a couple of tangs in the tank, they wouldn't touch it. Changed my lights, seemed to help a little. Then I got all my water parameters back in line and added a DI filter to my RO system, did several date changes, added some phosguard and GFO to my reactors and I'm pleased to say that after 6 months it's still gone. Good luck with your battle - I personally wouldn't dare use any chemicals (Hydrogen Peroxide seems harmless enough) because I wouldn't want to kill the life thats inside the rock, but that's me. I think the best way to really get rid of nuisance algae is to starve it with nutrient export - a healthy ball of Chaeto or other macro algae and silicate/phosphate removal helps a bunch! |
Posted By: xlr8r
Date Posted: October 20 2011 at 12:04pm
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MIK3B, Thanks for the input. No tangs for this tank:(. I do have the cheato and I dont overfeed. Params ok. RO water used. . I have aglea come and go but this rock is continuous.
Mark, on second look it is the algea you suggested. Whats the story with it? ------------- When you hear hoofbeats....Think of a zebra |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: October 20 2011 at 7:43pm
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Your description is exactly how I would describe it. You are doing well to have contained it to one spot in the tank. Pacific Turbo Snails are usually hungry for Asperagopsis. These are not the Margarita but the larger Turbo Snails usually around 1-1.5" size. Not zebra turbos - too large. One is all you'll need.  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: xlr8r
Date Posted: October 21 2011 at 7:48am
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ok... where does a person get a pacific turbo snail?? ------------- When you hear hoofbeats....Think of a zebra |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: October 21 2011 at 2:33pm
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Almost any LFS can have them. Fish-4-U had some when I needed one a few months ago for the very same reason.
------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Merk
Date Posted: October 21 2011 at 7:11pm
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What about removing that one rock, boiling it, and then placing it your set-up again? ------------- Downtown Salt Lake City 801-809-2367 |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 21 2011 at 8:33pm
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I've used hydrogen peroxide...and use it regularly to prevent algae in my tanks as part of my normal QT procedure. I always dip the rock into the normal hydrogen peroxide solution you get at the drug store (not the really crazy strong stuff that will blind you instantly). I also don't dilute it. I let the rock sit for about 20+ seconds, depending on how mad I am. Corals do so-so with it. LPS seem to get a lot of bubbles trapped in them, and that makes me nervous. They've always recovered for me, but I can't guarantee they'll be fine. I hate putting SPS in hydrogen peroxide...it actually prevents some calcification, and I don't know how that affects SPS (but they don't like it anyway). Zoas seem to handle hydrogen peroxide ok. Just make sure you get rid of any pods/snails/etc on the rock. Personally, I would make sure your tank is up to par as previously mentioned (running GFO & carbon, using RO/DI for regular water changes, and skimming heavily). If that doesn't work, then I'd go to something more drastic. But, the problem is (and as Mark mentioned) you're lucky to have contained it...but there are probably spores all in your water column. Killing it off the rock will only temporarily limit your problem. Also, snails will just remove the algae off the rock...not kill it. They'll eat the algae, then they'll poo the spores back into the water. Not fun. Algae spores are amazingly resilient (depending on species). If all that doesn't work, make a diluted muriatic acid solution, and soak the rock. The muriatic acid will etch the surface of the rock so that the roots of the algae are exposed/falling out. Then, rinse insanely well. Next, make a diluted bleach solution, and soak the rock. The bleach will kill the algae spores. Rinse really well again. Make a solution with that aquarium chlorine remover stuff, and soak again. Rinse again. I guarantee that'll have your rock pure as...well...rock. :-)
------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: October 22 2011 at 10:20am
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I'm a kind of live and let live kinda guy. I kinda like the color of Asperagopsis. We don't have enough red algae. The snail is my preferred solution. Some of the things that Reef'd Up does are deliberately not in my bag of tricks.  My last resort would be to: - break the rock up and save the chunk with the Favia colony OR - use a Dremel Tool to cut it off the rock, then mount it on a good rock and toss the Asperagopsis rock out the door. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 22 2011 at 12:09pm
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As discussed a million times before, I'm a perfectionist when it comes to reefing, and I don't have time to deal with pests & pest algaes. I don't know why we have to keep rehashing that we do things differently. Say what you do, and what you do differently Mark...but there's no reason to point our differences specifically. Anyway, there are plenty of red macroalgaes that do not become pests (Agar, Gracillaria, etc.) The person posting can spend a couple bucks on a snail and some time driving up the LFS...and keep battling it like he has been. Or, he can spend about the same amount of money and time (maybe a bit more), and be done with it. He's obviously sick enough of it to be considering hydrogen peroxide, which means he probably wants a bit more of a permanent solution than a snail. As far as saving the Favia and throwing away the rest of the rock...I wouldn't. The rock you could save by what I mentioned above. No point in throwing away some reef rock...recycle it! It's a tiny piece that won't have to be re-farmed from the ocean. Seriously Mark, please stop purposefully bringing me up in all of your posts to go against my opinions. We both differ in our styles of reefkeeping, and that's fine. You just don't have to bring ME up specifically (or anyone else for that matter) and keep rehashing how different we are. Say your opinions and leave it at that. Everyone else, I'm sorry to address this publicly, but I'm sick of it. ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: DLindquist
Date Posted: October 22 2011 at 1:01pm
While I have not seen Reed'd Up's tank, judging from the conversations I have had with them, I believe their display tank (and style of reefing) are (or soon will be once they get settled in)very similar to mine. I have seen Mark's tank, and it dosen't look anything like my display- good, bad or indifferent. Align yourself with people on this board who match what you behold as your perfect piece of ocean and enjoy this beautiful hobby. ------------- A government strong enough to give you everything you want, is powerful enough to take everything you have. |
Reef'd Up wrote:Posted By: ptronsp
Date Posted: October 22 2011 at 3:51pm
First off I would like to say that I tried to send you a pm and for some reason it would not allow me too :(. I feel your frustrating sista  . I have been on your end of Marks relentless nit picking and mentioning of my name in his bashing of what he does compare to what I do blah blah blah. I am not one to sit here and tell you " Bad girl", for saying something. Actually I applaud you. Once again Mark is getting comfortable enough on the board to start with his antics. Personally I get really tired of it too. Everyone has different ways of doing things and that is what is beautiful about this board, to be able to gather as much information as you can and deal with it in the manner you find is best for you. Once again Mark finds it necessary to exert his opinion harshly. Mark has a tendency to do this to women I am telling you.Mark, last time I checked there was not a book out there saying " Marks Bible of Reef Keeping", so please try and keep your "Godly' opinions in check. Nikki, once again I am sorry if you were offended or singled out, sadly it happens more often then not with this particular person. Pam ------------- The only clowns I like are in my tank! |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: October 23 2011 at 12:48am
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Exactly guys. There's no "right or wrong" way to do reefkeeping. Do whatever works best for you! Chances are though, even though something works, there's probably a better way of doing something out there...even if it's undiscovered. So, be open-minded! If someone does something differently or choses something other than your method...support them anyway! Heavens knows we've all bought that one piece of equipment against everyone else's bad judgement...and everyone was still there (wishing they could say "I told you so", but don't...b/c they're good friends like that) to help us make a better decision next time. Xlr8r - sorry to get your topic off track. I apologize. I hope we've answered your questions. ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: fishnfresh
Date Posted: October 23 2011 at 12:58am
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+1 on reef'd up and ptronsp.
It does get annoying just like the badgering he was tryin to give snowsrf and of coarse it was erased and swept under the rug when people stood up against him (like always). There is a small few like 3-4 on here that like to do that but not as much and often. I agree say your spill and go on. I have used peroxide on zoas when really having a hard time with them and it has worked. It was a last resort thing. I lost some but saved some also but if I wouldnt of done it prolly would of lost them all. pam you have to re-type reef'd ups name in the sent to part think it is because of the ' in there name. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: October 23 2011 at 1:05am
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My apologies. I meant no offense. I respect different ways of keeping aquariums. My statement was just a different way to say that I disagree with the use of Hydrogen Peroxide, especially in this situation where saving the coral seemed to be paramount. Again, I am sorry for any offense it caused. My tanks look different than most, especially in recent years, but I sure made a good profit on them.  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Snowsrfr
Date Posted: October 23 2011 at 12:05pm
Mark, do you notice a trend in the way you post, approach people on this board, finding yourself apologizing when someone with the cajones calls you on stuff like this? Each time, you act like it's your first offense. Theres tons of people that are tired of it, and only a handful who will stand up against your ways. You live in a beautiful place that would be very conducive to some reflection, before hitting that reply button. ------------- "A fish tank is not a pet. It's a TV that you gotta feed." - John Caparulo |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: October 23 2011 at 12:39pm
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I'm apologizing for offending you too Snowsrfr. I know that people put up with my sometimes offensive way of saying things. I've been reminded many times. Honestly, I thought I was doing better. I didn't see what was offensive in my comment until it was pointed out to me. At this point, about all I can say is please forgive me. I'll try harder. And please don't hold back. It's hard to take, but I need it. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: MIK3B
Date Posted: October 23 2011 at 4:15pm
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It takes a big person to admit fault or swallow critisism, and although we exist here in an open forum where people are free to say what they feel like saying, it sometimes comes across wrong.
Even with BBcodes and smileys email, boards and text are so hard to convey emotion and sincerity since there is no tone, body language or inflection. Even if Mark had been being sarcastic or giving someone a little nudge there's really no way to know for sure. Even though I've only been on this board a short while, I was a WMAS member long ago and although we never really kept in touch, I've known Mark for years. And while we do all have different tanks and different opinions and approaches, one must admit that for the most part, his intent is to help and offer info and knowledge to anyone who asks. He may come across strong or as a know it all to some, I take what he suggests, pass it through my own internal filters and use what I will. Whether any one of us has had a run-in with him or disagreed with his advice fervidly, the bottom line is we are all here to share, learn from each other and each others experience and help further our knowledge in this awesome hobby! It makes me sad to see and read the bickering and finger pointing. It's counterproductive. Most of us know Mark and have seen his tanks, and whether or not you like them or his approach to reef keeping, you have to admit that he's been pretty successful with his methods, although that's not to say that anyone else's methods are better, worse or even more correct. Every one is entitled and should express their opinions and advice, as long as its done respectfully an constructively I for one am all for it. If I don't like someone's approach I'll call them out, as some have done here, but after that, we move on with what we learned and go back to sticking our hands back in our own unique slice of the ocean, hopefully appreciating the fact that we have this awesome modern means of sharing and furthering this hobby via this great club and message board!! Now back to cleaning that rock! 
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: October 23 2011 at 4:32pm
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The easy way to clean the rock off without seeing your tank and taking rocks out would be to add a turbo snail. They will eat most red algae. Question for you, since you don't know what type of algae it is you probably didn't add it. So your tank is growing it right? So let's figure out what's causing it so you wont have to continue to dip your rock.
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Posted By: bstuver
Date Posted: October 23 2011 at 4:36pm
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I was going to stay out of this as it happens all to often and I don't really like confrontation. However being a woman seems to make Mark repeat his offenses over and over to you. He has also offended men but for the women on here there are not a lot of us and when he has something to say about everything you do wrong it is not in a helpful manner. It just happens to be that I am a strong woman and won't sit back and let him be a male shovenist pig to me, right along with Pam and I was so glad to see Nikki step up as well because I have seen that every post she makes Mark has something to say.
I get tired of Mark only getting his hand slapped and apologizing everytime he makes a condescending remark towards us. Anyway I am also sorry this got off topic and I really was trying to ignore it ------------- Jackie Stuver "wait these aren't the happy Hawaiians oompa doompa godly heaven on your face zoas? I dont want them then. lol!" Ksmart |
Posted By: ptronsp
Date Posted: October 23 2011 at 8:07pm
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Over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over ..... getting annoyed yet? Now you know the feeling. That's how it feels. Justin if you need Troy or I to come over we would be more then happy too..we live right down the street :). Pam ------------- The only clowns I like are in my tank! |
Posted By: xlr8r
Date Posted: October 24 2011 at 7:34am
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WOW!!! controversy controversy!! I appreciate ALL the input and suggestions! I'll take it all and do what I feel most comfortable with. My clean up crew needs a boost and snails will do it some good. In the meantime maybe a little peroxide will "speed it up" so the snails can get a handle on it. I just don't want to loose the coral. Thanks again everyone and I'll keep ya posted. Other suggestions are still welcomed.
Pam and Troy, I may take you up on the visit offer after I get back from vacation. Thanks! Im not very experianced so you would be a big help! ------------- When you hear hoofbeats....Think of a zebra |
Posted By: ptronsp
Date Posted: October 24 2011 at 1:06pm
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Anytime you need us just call :) Pam ------------- The only clowns I like are in my tank! |