I have done this process with bleach with no issues.... long process though.
I've taken the rock and scrubbed it first with a brand new toilet brush for larger rocks, and tooth brushes for smaller rocks and removed any algae.
I then used the garden hose and rinsed the rock, and placed them on a black bag.
I purchased a square rubbermaid container at home depot to hold the rock, cant recall the size but it was the big clear one.(25 gallon)
I followed up using one capfull of bleach to every gallon of water and let the rock sit a week. (After 2 days turn rock and shake it in the water to make sure airpockets are removed and to ensure the rock is bleached and to loosen any crude off).
After the week the rock was nice and white, looked brand spankin clean.
I then emptied the container and rinsed the rock off with the garden hose again.
I then placed the rock back in the container(after rinsing it a few times) and left the hose on but on very low and placed it into the bin, causing a drip method to rinse the rock off. I did this for about 5 days. I then drained the container and smelled the rock to ensure there was no bleach type smell.
Finally I filled the container up with rodi water and let it sit for a
entire week and removed the rock and placed it into my tank with other LR.
I've done this routine a few times.... Its a long process as stated earlier, but works.
I however never heard of vinegar for rock. Only equipment..
You may want to contact Bob1000 for some knowlegde aswell. I believe he cooks his rocks.
GL
