Reuse old rock

[Jimmyneptune]

I have rock that I used in my tank previously, has not touched water in 3 or more years. I stopped using it because it had aiptasia, or tube worms, or colonial hydroids. Looking for input to see if it would be safe to use and a best course of action to revive and put back into use.

 

[Peace River]

You will likely find a range of suggestions. Here is one approach from BRS:

Bleach Curing Dry Rock for a Saltwater Reef Tank - BRStv Reef FAQs

There are three main methods for curing live rock for a saltwater reef tank: natural, bleach and acid. Our focus today is using bleach for curing dry rock and we answer three direct questions. 1. What is a bleach cure? 2. When is it appropriate to bleach cure rock? 3. How to do

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[K7BMG]

Yes I agree.

I did it this way with old rock I had in a decayed trashcan for over ten years sitting in the backyard open.

Step 1 trashcan 1 of three.
I soaked it in bleach water. Two cups per gallon of water with a powerhead running for a full week.

Step 2 trashcan 2 was rinse well, by dunking and twisting, change water as needed.

Step 3 trashcan 3
Soak in water with prime for a week with powerhead running.

Step 4 was laid it all out on plastic and let it dry for like a month.
Would have been a week but had other priorities.

Step 5 was aquaskaped and started the cycle.

 

[Fishingandreefing]

I am impatient so I am doing the followings:

bleached for about a week, rinse then soak in tap water with water conditioner for only 1 day because it was rain for the whole week here.

I then placed them into container with freshly made saltwater, powerhead, heat and run gfo full blast. I will let it run for about a week. Fully change water and see if it leeches phosphate again.

I used vinegar and did the above for about 2 months but tested high phosphate so I am redoing it but no patient.

 

[Jimmyneptune]

You will likely find a range of suggestions. Here is one approach from BRS:

Bleach Curing Dry Rock for a Saltwater Reef Tank - BRStv Reef FAQs

There are three main methods for curing live rock for a saltwater reef tank: natural, bleach and acid. Our focus today is using bleach for curing dry rock and we answer three direct questions. 1. What is a bleach cure? 2. When is it appropriate to bleach cure rock? 3. How to do

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Awesome! thanks that’s what I needed to know.