Using Old Stored Rock or Buy New

[truetricia]

Hello R2R'ers!

So I have some old rock that I used in a previous tank that I tore down over two years ago. Since then, the rock has been stored in sealed 5g buckets that have since been sitting on an outdoor porch. While there was some moisture in the buckets, I'm guessing that the rock is beyond gross right now after sitting for more than 2 years in buckets.

So as I'm getting ready to start a new build, what's the best thing to do with this rock? Bleach it (and for how long)? Then cure it? Then cycle it? Or is "curing" and "cycling" really redundant?

 

[fabutahoun]

Hello R2R'ers!

So I have some old rock that I used in a previous tank that I tore down over two years ago. Since then, the rock has been stored in sealed 5g buckets that have since been sitting on an outdoor porch. While there was some moisture in the buckets, I'm guessing that the rock is beyond gross right now after sitting for more than 2 years in buckets.

So as I'm getting ready to start a new build, what's the best thing to do with this rock? Bleach it (and for how long)? Then cure it? Then cycle it? Or is "curing" and "cycling" really redundant?

You Can bleach it with 1:10 bleach to fresh water for a couple of days then if it is still too dirty bleach again. then let it dry completely for few days under the sun, or soak it with clean fresh water with some Dechlorinator.

Usually curing is for live rock and is done in other containers like trash cans or buckets, Cycling usually is for the reef aquarium itself including everything like dry rocks, live rocks and sand.

 

[truetricia]

Thank you! Please correct me if I'm wrong here...

So bleach for a few days, dry for a few days, rinse for a few days.
Then cure the live rock for about a month (if I remember correctly) in a trash can.
Concurrently, while the live rock is curing, I can have my tank begin its cycle.
Then later, add the live rock.

 

[samnaz]

It really depends on this rock itself but here's something...

 

[dugthefish]

Make sure someone records you opening the buckets, and post video ITT

 

[samnaz]

Make sure someone records you opening the buckets, and post video ITT

on that note... absolutely do not breathe through your nose when you crack open the buckets ;Dead

 

[fabutahoun]

Thank you! Please correct me if I'm wrong here...

So bleach for a few days, dry for a few days, rinse for a few days.
Then cure the live rock for about a month (if I remember correctly) in a trash can.
Concurrently, while the live rock is curing, I can have my tank begin its cycle.
Then later, add the live rock.

You can let the rock cycle in the tank directly without curing if it is a new tank.