Dead rock

[fireman23]

A friend just gave me some Rock that he used in his saltwater tank years ago. He said he broke tank down 4 years ago and just set rock in tote in basement. It was pest and algae free when tank was running. What should I do to this rock as far as cleaning. I don't currently have a tank but would like to start curing this rock? I thought about bleaching and letting air dry and freshwater dips . I do have a 100 gallon stock tank I can cycle it in. How often should water change be performed?

 

[cee]

I'd cook it in muriatic acid, followed by RODI rinses, and then lanthanum chloride treatment. I did this to my BRS Pukani and didn't get any algae. On the dead Tonga branch, that is supposed to be clean, I did grow algae for awhile on the new setup.

 

[Eienna]

Watch that acid!!! Dangerous stuff.
A full-strength vinegar bath isn't quite as effective, but it's much safer for the user.

 

[Reefing Madness]

LIVE ROCK ACID BATH - REEFEDITION

 

[cee]

Water first then acid plus massive ventilation and all is well. I think I did 1 gallon acid to about 10 gallons of water. Don't get too hung up on RODI in the acid stage; tap water is fine. It'll overflow the holding container with nasty foam and will produce pretty noxious fumes so outside is best. Fortunately, the weather is now cooperating in TN. I'd wear goggles if you don't already wear glasses as well (you can't replace your eyes) and have fresh water nearby if you splash it on your skin. Vinegar is also effective but I'd probably do 2 treatments.

 

[dodger745]

does anyone need any dead rock? I've got two 5 gallon bucket fulls that came out of my old 29g, we didnt use it when we built the 180g. Its been dry since last fall. I need to get rid of it