Dead rock left outside use it or pitch it?

[AllIDoisReef]

So I broke down a tank and left the old rock about 80 lbs on the deck to dry. Well I left it there a little too long and it has all kinds of stuff in it now, leaves, helicopters, moss.... I bleached it and hosed it off the best I could, but there is still debris in all the holes and crevices. I’m starting a new tank should I use this rock or just buy new?

 

[jordan10]

Idk a hole lot about curing dry rock but I know there is a process. But if it was me I wouldn't not put it in my tank I know u would still have bleach on ur rocks takes more then a hose and never know what that debris could do to. Sorry probably not much help. But wouldn't use

 

[theMeat]

That rock is still good.
Bleach takes too long, too much work.
Muriatic acid a fraction the time and effort.
Then start cycling rocks

 

[JPergamo]

I agree with the muriatic acid bath. I did it a few years back when I wanted to re-use rock i had used in a cichlid tank for a long time. It will eat away the entire outside layer of the rock. Then begin cycling and curing the rock after.

 

[Silent]

BRStv has videos for both methods

 

[JPergamo]

Click my build thread badge. There are a few posts about the acid bath from a few years back.

 

[HB AL]

I definitely wouldn’t pitch it, unless it was in a copper treated tank.

 

[Nasir]

Use it. It’s only dead cause you had it out the tank. Clean it and use it, it will become live rock again.

 

[Lasse]

Use it after cleaning, maybe soak it in water for a week or two

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Dierks]

Muriatic acid a fraction the time and effort.

I agree with the muriatic acid bath.

I'm on this team, I did it with some rocks I got on Craigslist, works wonders!!