Dried up rock question

[riche]

I bought a tank for some equipment and it came with a ton of rock.

It has been sitting in buckets for about 6 weeks, no water.

I just added all new live sand to the tank, could I put this rock in and let nature takes it course. The tank still needs to cycle so I’m thinking the dead stuff on the rock will help feed the cycle?

 

[blaxsun]

I'd probably be inclined to clean it - just because it's been sitting out in the open for 6 weeks exposed to whatever. There are a few threads dedicated to cleaning rocks on R2R that might be worth checking out.

 

[ghurlag]

If I were in your shoes, I'd clean it. My guess is, best case, it has more than a little organic waste in the nooks and crannies. I'd hate to see you set back by prolonging the natural process of breaking down what's on the rock. Just seems like asking for headaches down the road to me if you don't clean it. Good luck!

 

[DeepintheReef]

I would bleach it underwater for a few days and then pressure wash it to get as much of the organic waste off as possibly. Follow up with a freshwater soak with dechlorinator and then you can add the rock to the tank to cycle.