Rock

[Bobothegreat]

so while I was out at one of the cool beaches here in japan my wife brought back some rock she thought may be able to be used for the tank. Does anyone know if there is a way to clean these up and possibly use them?

 

[Mikedawg]

I would bleach them to minimize/kill off organic matter, let them dry in sun and then cure them for several weeks being sure to check for nitrate and phosphate levels in case they leach. Do water changes until your parameters are in the range you want. Many reefers use Dr. Tim's or similar products to speed up cycling. When you search this blog, you'll find that there are a couple of different methods used to make rocks "safe" for your tank.
Interesting pieces.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Those look interesting. I'd soak them in bleach, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for a day or two. Then rinse and cure them in the sun for a few days. Then put them in a small bucket with saltwater that is a known quality (new or from your tank after a water change). Test for nitrate and phosphate at the beginning of the soak and again after a few days to make sure the rocks don't contaminate the water.

BTW, I've taken to using a concrete drill bit to drill new, or open up existing holes so frag plugs fit in the rock. If the holes are on more vertical surfaces, make the holes snug fits for the plugs, that way you don't have to glue them and you can move them around later if you feel the need.

Enjoy.

 

[Rich Cooper]

I would acid wash them and cycle them entirely before adding them to the tank.

 

[Bobothegreat]

Thank you all for the reply that is what I will do

 

[Bobothegreat]

So I’m looking the rocks over a lot more now they are a very very soft rock I can scratch them with my nails