Used Ceramic

[kbsharp]

Hello all,

I have bought a bit of used ceramic aqua scape material that was used in someone's previous tank and now it has dried.

Is it safe to use it when i start my tank? Should I clean it and if so how?

Would need rock or is ceramic good for bacteria housing.

Here are some pics

 

[LBReefer]

I wouldn't recommend using it unless you know exactly what its madd of and can guarantee that it wasn't exposed to copper or other chemicals which may leach into the system.

New rock is one of the less expensive investments in setting up a tank.

 

[kbsharp]

I wouldn't recommend using it unless you know exactly what its madd of and can guarantee that it wasn't exposed to copper or other chemicals which may leach into the system.

New rock is one of the less expensive investments in setting up a tank.

In this case there is no way to rinse it off or soak it in something?

 

[LBReefer]

In this case there is no way to rinse it off or soak it in something?

Not really. Leaching can take place over years. If you are really attached you could place it in a tank with some power heads, a heater, and lights for a few months and then send the water sample to one of the labs. The tests are about $40, plus shipping.

The challenge is that chemicals soak into the concrete or may already be present depending on what type of concrete/cement was used to create it.

To me, I rather spend the cash on buying new rock from a reputable source. People seem to love.the Marco rock. I've used the artificially created stuff from BRS and have enjoyed it. There's an initial "uglies" phase as it can give up some silica, but that goes away pretty quick.

I made the mistake of using black sand and had to tear my sump apart to pull it all out after it started leaching chromium and other stuff into the water.

 

[kbsharp]

Not really. Leaching can take place over years. If you are really attached you could place it in a tank with some power heads, a heater, and lights for a few months and then send the water sample to one of the labs. The tests are about $40, plus shipping.

The challenge is that chemicals soak into the concrete or may already be present depending on what type of concrete/cement was used to create it.

To me, I rather spend the cash on buying new rock from a reputable source. People seem to love.the Marco rock. I've used the artificially created stuff from BRS and have enjoyed it. There's an initial "uglies" phase as it can give up some silica, but that goes away pretty quick.

I made the mistake of using black sand and had to tear my sump apart to pull it all out after it started leaching chromium and other stuff into the water.

I guess i don't want to risk it , i was thinking some pink/purple reef rock on a white sandbed

 

[kbsharp]

Not really. Leaching can take place over years. If you are really attached you could place it in a tank with some power heads, a heater, and lights for a few months and then send the water sample to one of the labs. The tests are about $40, plus shipping.

The challenge is that chemicals soak into the concrete or may already be present depending on what type of concrete/cement was used to create it.

To me, I rather spend the cash on buying new rock from a reputable source. People seem to love.the Marco rock. I've used the artificially created stuff from BRS and have enjoyed it. There's an initial "uglies" phase as it can give up some silica, but that goes away pretty quick.

I made the mistake of using black sand and had to tear my sump apart to pull it all out after it started leaching chromium and other stuff into the water.

So how can i rinse the pumps and powerheads bought from him, in vinegar?

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

So how can i rinse the pumps and powerheads bought from him, in vinegar?

I would do citric acid. Vinegar has been found to be really harsh on powerheads