Buying old rock from people

[Luno]

So when starting a tank, I've always put up a post on forums or in a local advertising looking for people's old rock. Treat it make it dead rock and use it. Never an issue. Told a mate to do the same he did it and has had nothing but issues only thing I can think of is whoever had the rock previously treated it with copper or something nasty that hangs around. Got him to call the guy he got it from and sure enough was used in a FOWLER and treated with copper.

So now I'm concerned because people aren't always honest when it comes to selling something. Anyone else been stung by something similar?

 

[Crabs McJones]

So when starting a tank, I've always put up a post on forums or in a local advertising looking for people's old rock. Treat it make it dead rock and use it. Never an issue. Told a mate to do the same he did it and has had nothing but issues only thing I can think of is whoever had the rock previously treated it with copper or something nasty that hangs around. Got him to call the guy he got it from and sure enough was used in a FOWLER and treated with copper.

So now I'm concerned because people aren't always honest when it comes to selling something. Anyone else been stung by something similar?

Never been in this situation, but sorry that happened to your buddy. Unfortunately there are some untruthful people out there, only care about getting paid

 

[Luno]

Honestly the thought never crossed my mind about someone selling rock that has been copper treated. But I'm really considering never doing it again now after this buying real reef rock or something instead. And it was his first sw experience. And now he's gotta restart from scratch. If he even will bother.

The crazy things that happen

 

[Crabs McJones]

Honestly the thought never crossed my mind about someone selling rock that has been copper treated. But I'm really considering never doing it again now after this buying real reef rock or something instead. And it was his first sw experience. And now he's gotta restart from scratch. If he even will bother.

The crazy things that happen

Unfortunately, that's why I don't purchase from untrusted/unknown sources.

 

[Wyldcard666]

Bought used rock twice....last time was a nightmare. Dumped it all and started over. I would never do it again.

 

[Paul B]

Oh never mind, I thought you said talking to old people about rocks.

 

[PatW]

If you buy old rock, it might be best to treat it with a muriatic acid bath. But I don’t know if even that would get rid of all the copper, it it had some. It would be better than nothing. But given the fact that people often spend over $100 on a single small coral, it seems foolish to risk such a valuable coral. There are plenty of sources of good inexpensive dry rock.

 

[Luno]

Yeah I guess the thought has never crossed my mind. And it's never ended up bad for me. I also enjoy a fair bit of diy so it gives me something to do to prep rock. But after this I won't be doing it again