Old live rock

[mymarinedream]

I took some live rock out a few months ago and I now want to use bits of it for some new rock walks for new corals to sit on. Can I simply put it back in??
Aquariums a year old and is mixed reef and is consistent in parameters. Just don’t want to mess it up.

 

[Copingwithpods]

The old live rock will have dried organic matter both on it and in it which might leach phosphates, you can test this by soaking it in a bucket and monitoring po4 levels. Before doing so rinse it and scrub it well. Worst case scenario bleach it and rinse it a few times.

 

[Victor_C3]

Either follow the advice above or, if you’re only adding a few small bits into the tank, just pop it back in and hope for the best.

I suffer from extreme laziness when it comes to stuff Ike that. I’ve done exactly what I described numerous times over the years and never saw the slightest change in my aquarium’s water chemistry. However, I’ve also never added a piece any larger than my fist in that manner.

 

[mymarinedream]

The old live rock will have dried organic matter both on it and in it which might leach phosphates, you can test this by soaking it in a bucket and monitoring po4 levels. Before doing so rinse it and scrub it well. Worst case scenario bleach it and rinse it a few times.

Thanks for the info. I really don’t want to bleach. Shall I put it in salt water with heater and blower to soak it for a bit?

 

[mymarinedream]

Either follow the advice above or, if you’re only adding a few small bits into the tank, just pop it back in and hope for the best.

I suffer from extreme laziness when it comes to stuff Ike that. I’ve done exactly what I described numerous times over the years and never saw the slightest change in my aquarium’s water chemistry. However, I’ve also never added a piece any larger than my fist in that manner.

Ok great. Well it will be only a few small bits at a time while I re arrange. Might rinse it through and only add small bits in

 

[ca1ore]

I’ve some rock in my system that dates back to 1988. It even spent a few years becoming un-live in a pile behind the shed in my back yard. Soaked and power washed it to remove as much gunk as possible then plopped it in. No major issues.

 

[mymarinedream]

I’ve some rock in my system that dates back to 1988. It even spent a few years becoming un-live in a pile behind the shed in my back yard. Soaked and power washed it to remove as much gunk as possible then plopped it in. No major issues.

Yes I thought about giving it a good old jet wash. I’ll do that too.
thanks.