Dead live rock sitting in rubber maid?

ynot reef · Jan 21, 2014

So i left the hobby for a couple years. I kept a rubber maid full of what used to be live rock. Is there any special way to wash it? Any suggestions? Thanks Tony.

spieszak · Jan 21, 2014

When you took the previous tank down, was it because of issues or just a move or whatever. How I'd handle it would change based on how much PO4 build up there might be in it. If it was 'fine' before, I'd just scrub it with some bleach and follow with de-chlor, otherwise I might move towards more 'drastic' methods.

halmus · Jan 21, 2014

I'd love to get some advice from the experts here on the various methods to "cooking" and curing the rock. I've seen some people cycle the rock for long periods making sure no light reaches the rock. I've seen people cycle the rock with lights on. I've seen people using chemicals like LaCl (I'd embarrass myself if I tried to spell that chemical) which is used in some systems to bind up or in some other way combat phosphates.

Of course there's bleach which I've used in situations to exterminate unwanted critters. What kind of product do we look for when trying to find a de-chlorinator?

If the topic has already covered, maybe someone can point me and ynot reef in the right direction.

Herefishyfishy · Jan 21, 2014

I would run a quick rinse cycle in the dishwasher to ensure no soap remaining and then run a load with dead rock and add a little vinegar, or nothing at all. It will remove some excess nutrients such as dead algae, dried sludge, etc.
After that add slowly to established tank or if empty, put it all in and skim away until bacteria has built back up and achieved balance.
I prefer to keep it simple.

drewski · Jan 21, 2014

What was the condition of the live rock? You probably have a lot of die off on it. If you run it with a heater and give flow, you can rejuvenate it. And weekly water changes.

spieszak · Jan 21, 2014

the dishwasher thing sounds a little scary to me. not sure i think i'd trust all the detergent was out before i started... seems like a great idea otherwise though.. but i'd make sure it doesn't do the extra dry stuff... heat could be bad.