Re using old rock

[littlefoxx]

Hey everyone, I have rock that came with my big tank used. I took it out since I wanted more arches and stuff and never got around to doing anything with the rock. Its been outside in the weather for a year or so now. Wondering if I can salvage it and and use it??

 

[The_Paradox]

Hey everyone, I have rock that came with my big tank used. I took it out since I wanted more arches and stuff and never got around to doing anything with the rock. Its been outside in the weather for a year or so now. Wondering if I can salvage it and and use it??

How old is it? If it’s 2-3 billion years old it’s fine. If it’s closer to 6 billion years old I would probably toss it or at least give it a good looking over.

 

[littlefoxx]

How old is it? If it’s 2-3 billion years old it’s fine. If it’s closer to 6 billion years old I would probably toss it or at least give it a good looking over.

Lol it was in the tank for 4 years before I got the tank. Then been dry and out in the weather for a year

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Yes, don't boil it though.
10% bleach solution, let it soak for a few days. Nothing will be alive, but it will get rid of the residual organics. Rinse, then soak in some RODI with declor. Then transfer to a SW bucket and cycle it with some shrimp.

 

[Dan_P]

Hey everyone, I have rock that came with my big tank used. I took it out since I wanted more arches and stuff and never got around to doing anything with the rock. Its been outside in the weather for a year or so now. Wondering if I can salvage it and and use it??

Is there any chance the rock has absorbed pesticides or other chemicals that would be toxic to saltwater creatures? If so toss it.

If not, a short duration treatment with muriatic acid, would dissolve the outer p, dirty surface of the rock . If muriatic acid seems risky, a longer treatment in vinegar or citric acid would do a similar job.

 

[littlefoxx]

Is there any chance the rock has absorbed pesticides or other chemicals that would be toxic to saltwater creatures? If so toss it.

If not, a short duration treatment with muriatic acid, would dissolve the outer p, dirty surface of the rock . If muriatic acid seems risky, a longer treatment in vinegar or citric acid would do a similar job.

No its just been on my back porch, no chemicals out there just the elements

 

[littlefoxx]

Can I put it in my sump of my bigger tank to cycle it?

 

[Dan_P]

No its just been on my back porch, no chemicals out there just the elements

An acid wash of some type should give you nice white rocks.

 

[Dan_P]

Can I put it in my sump of my bigger tank to cycle it?

When you are happy about their cleanliness, yes.

 

[littlefoxx]

An acid wash of some type should give you nice white rocks.

They are actually pretty white already on one side

 

[Katrina71]

They are actually pretty white already on one side

Turn them over and let the sun do the other sides

 

[The_Paradox]

I’d just hose them off and pitch them in.

 

[Freenow54]

Hey everyone, I have rock that came with my big tank used. I took it out since I wanted more arches and stuff and never got around to doing anything with the rock. Its been outside in the weather for a year or so now. Wondering if I can salvage it and and use it??

I would not but that is just me. Don't like taking chances

 

[SKEETER1978]

bleach it it and it fine

 

[littlefoxx]

I would not but that is just me. Don't like taking chances

Yeah this is why I never considered it before now. Im torn on it honestly

 

[homer1475]

I’d just hose them off and pitch them in.

+1

 

[Katrina71]

I'd 100% use them

 

[littlefoxx]

Thanks guys. Rinsed them in RO and put them in! Corals are a little ticked but I think they will be happier with the more room the rocks gave them!