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Bulk Reef Supply Pukani Rock - PHOSPHATE ALERT!

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by jnjsad, Feb 15, 2012.

  1. jnjsad

    jnjsad Inactive User

    440
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    When I started my research for my new tank build, I wanted to give dry rock a try.  In doing so, I was drawn to the Pukani rock sold at BRS.  When it came time to add the rock, I rinsed them off with RODI water and placed them in my tank.  I seen/read on various sites, including BRS, that if you are placing the Pukani rock in a new tank, no need to bake because there may be some beneficial stuff to help your new tank cycle...so I thought heck, why not?
    About 2 days later I come into work and it looks like someone just took a piss in my tank.  I was thinking what the heck.  Did a water change and continued to watch it get worse.  I spoke to Jeremy at ACC in Washburn and he turned me on to the idea that Pukani rock is notorious for leaching phosphates.  Quick Google search results in plenty of posts on Reef Central discussing this very issue.  I am sharing this with everyone so they can see an approach that I took that was very effective.
    Purchased a Hannah P04 checker.  Phosphates were sky high.   Placed rock in Brute container.  Added fresh RODI water.  Found some Seaklear Spa Phosphate remover - 16oz.  Placed 2 cap fulls into brute can and dropped MJ600 for circulation.  Let sit for 24 hrs.  Phosphates were cut drastically (over half).  Added another 2 cap fulls - DO NOT change the water, this helps the pricipitate bond to phosphates.  Waited another 24 hrs - presto - measured 4 times throughout the day, all came back with zero phosphates.  Rinsed them in fresh RODI water and then placed back into tank.  Kept a very close eye, tested for Phosphates the following 3 days.  0, .03, 0 were my readings.  Turned on the GFO and getting a steady reading of 0. 
    Hope this helps anyone out that may be experiencing similar issues currently or down the road in their new tank setups.
     
  2. FlyingMoray Experienced Reefkeeper

    Minburn, IA
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Yeah, pukani you definitely want to cook it as it comes with tons of dead stuff on it. I cooked mine for almost a month and the water I was getting out of the barrel was disgusting and it stunk up my entire house. I have been fighting a small phosphate problem with my tank for a long time and am starting to wonder if pukani rock does indeed release phosphates over a long period of time. I have had my tank setup for over a year now.
     

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