I found this conversation on the Algae Scrubber Advanced thread on RC posted on 2/15
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2028045
Originally Posted by dugandersonSeems to me that this is big news, very pertinent information that would seem to apply to the entire algae scrubber community. You've been holding out on us SM!! Where did you get this information?Originally Posted by SantaMonica
Is this mold-release wax on the surface only, or is it impregnated into the material? If it is the former, doesn't roughing up the screen remove most of this?
What is the mechanism that degrades away the wax? Why does soap help?
On the soap comment, I would note that soap or any soap residue needs to be adequately removed before introduction into the aquarium. Most people would not even think twice about that, but there's always that one guy that doesn't know that soap and aquariums don't mix. Spraying with bleach and scrubbing to remove the soap residue would be required.
Is there another mechanism that could be used to quickly degrade this mold-release layer away, like a chemical dip, such as Muriatic Acid, Bleach, Hydrogen Peroxide, etc, after and/or before roughing up?