Reusing old live rock

rishu_pepper · 12/28/2014, 07:36 PM

I inherited about 20-30 lbs of old live rock from a previous tank owner. It had been sitting unused out in my yard for a couple months, and probably longer at his place. Some looks pretty used before as they are green/purple, while some parts look very "new" with tan colour. They are very porous.

I'd like to add some extra rocks to my DT for aquascape. What should my next steps be to introduce these rocks safely? I've read many things from muriatic acid, bleach, cure for 1 month with water change, etc. etc., and I'm rather confused what I should do.

(I think they are marco rocks)

gone fishin · 12/28/2014, 07:39 PM

Personally I would give them a good rinse and scrub, then drop them in a tub to cure. Once done you can add them to your tank. Good luck

billnPS · 12/28/2014, 08:28 PM

I'd do a muriatic acid bath. No telling if there were phosphates leeching out of the rock before you got it. Plus, being that it's been sitting outside for months, & however long before you got it.

Azedenkae · 12/28/2014, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rishu_pepper

I inherited about 20-30 lbs of old live rock from a previous tank owner. It had been sitting unused out in my yard for a couple months, and probably longer at his place. Some looks pretty used before as they are green/purple, while some parts look very "new" with tan colour. They are very porous.

I'd like to add some extra rocks to my DT for aquascape. What should my next steps be to introduce these rocks safely? I've read many things from muriatic acid, bleach, cure for 1 month with water change, etc. etc., and I'm rather confused what I should do.

(I think they are marco rocks)

So essentially they are uncured base rock. You will need to cure them, one way or another, before adding to the tank.

One easy way is to use bleach/muriatic acid/whatever (they all work) and rinse crazily. The rock will then become cured, but will be dead rock. This means that colonization of the rocks will happen after addition to the tank.

The other option is to cure them, which is essentially to put them through a cycle to firstly sequester all the dead matter and secondly to establish beneficial microbes on and in 'em. Best way is to cycle them in a separate container. And do regular water changes.

Chocohunter · 12/28/2014, 10:42 PM

I'd agree with all above. Give it a good rinse then soak it in freshwater and bleach or acid. One warning with muratic acid, pour slowly, if rocks start to bubble DO NOT pour any more, you want to clean the rocks not break them down. Try to keep the water stirred while pouring either by a "paddle", your hand, or a ideally a small powerhead. You don't need near as much acid as you might think. After they have soaked for awhile. Pull em out, give them another rinse with clean water and if you want to be very cautious soak/rinse in DI before adding to your tank.

12/28/2014, 07:36 PM	#1
rishu_pepper Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 310	Reusing old live rock I inherited about 20-30 lbs of old live rock from a previous tank owner. It had been sitting unused out in my yard for a couple months, and probably longer at his place. Some looks pretty used before as they are green/purple, while some parts look very "new" with tan colour. They are very porous. I'd like to add some extra rocks to my DT for aquascape. What should my next steps be to introduce these rocks safely? I've read many things from muriatic acid, bleach, cure for 1 month with water change, etc. etc., and I'm rather confused what I should do. (I think they are marco rocks)

12/28/2014, 07:39 PM	#2
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	Personally I would give them a good rinse and scrub, then drop them in a tub to cure. Once done you can add them to your tank. Good luck __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

12/28/2014, 08:28 PM	#3
billnPS Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: San Diego, CA. Posts: 77	I'd do a muriatic acid bath. No telling if there were phosphates leeching out of the rock before you got it. Plus, being that it's been sitting outside for months, & however long before you got it. __________________ Lassez les bon temps roulez!! I LOVE me some wrasse... Current Tank Info: None at the moment. Took a break but looking to get salty again...

12/28/2014, 10:42 PM	#5
Chocohunter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: NC Coast Posts: 12	I'd agree with all above. Give it a good rinse then soak it in freshwater and bleach or acid. One warning with muratic acid, pour slowly, if rocks start to bubble DO NOT pour any more, you want to clean the rocks not break them down. Try to keep the water stirred while pouring either by a "paddle", your hand, or a ideally a small powerhead. You don't need near as much acid as you might think. After they have soaked for awhile. Pull em out, give them another rinse with clean water and if you want to be very cautious soak/rinse in DI before adding to your tank.