How do I "sterilize" rock? Is this curing?

[ashiWaza]

Hello,

Sorry for the potentially dumb/redundant question. I'm starting a new tank and want it to have the "perfect" start in my mind. I have a Caribsea donut from an old tank that was successful, it's turned green and then half purple again over the course of about two years. I've had it sitting out of water and drying for about a week. I want this in my new tank, but don't want to risk bringing any unwanted hitchhikers along with it. I want, ideally, to completely turn it back to dry rock and have my new tank cycle from ground zero. Is there a way to completely clean it? Soak it in some sort of solution? Or do I use the "curing" method I've seen mentioned before? Thanks!

 

[Aqua Man]

Is there a way to completely clean it? Soak it in some sort of solution? Or do I use the "curing" method I've seen mentioned before? Thanks!

Muriatic acid will clean it up. Be careful with the acid though. Protective eyewear and acid resistant gloves are highly recommended. Also lots of ventilation is needed. Acid can be purchased at the hardware store. Water first, then acid!! Don’t want to use this stuff at full strength!

 

[elysics]

Muriatoc acid will dissolve and shrink or destroy rock.

Use bleach

 

[Aqua Man]

Muriatoc acid will dissolve and shrink or destroy rock.

Use bleach

If someone left the rock in acid for days, then yes a lot is going to dissolve. A few hrs is all that’s needed. Bleach works ok, Acid is better IMO.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Personally I put rocks into buckets of bleach water for a few days, it brings rocks right back to brand new.

I am too clumsy and have too much bad luck to play around with acid.

 

[kados]

I too have always bleached old live rock. Just a note though, bleach on Caribsea liferock (the purple artificially colored) rock will remove the coloring and leave it with a bluish/light purple tint. Just in case that matters to you. So it won't match other Caribsea life rock if new.. again, in case color matters to you. I love the Caribsea rock personally.