Dead Rock Smells Like Cigarettes

[CeeJai]

I have read of dead rock smelling like sulphur but has anyone smelled rock that smells like a house that has been smoked in for years? My fiance who picked up the rocks said the upstairs of the house smelled like this but not the garage where the rocks were kept. It is a very strong, distinct smell. We kept sniffing and commenting on our room smelling like cigarettes after I pulled the rock from the water. They have no odor when dry

 

[user 26995]

Sounds like some major cleaning will be needed. I know there is a process for using bleach, but I haven't done it. Its been mentioned here a few times. Maybe someone that has done it can explain what to do.

 

[CeeJai]

Using bleach is a bit intimidating to me. I am most likely going to get a tote, fill with saltwater, and put them in there with a power head for a couple weeks or so. I am just more or less curious to know if anyone else has run into this issue of rock taking on the odor of a house...

 

[NC2WA]

CeeJai,

Welcome to RF !!!

Can't say I have come across this, but agree with Lorie some cleaning is in order before you put in main display.

Follow the steps in post #2 from Boomer:

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f72/bleaching-live-rock-34816/

 

[CeeJai]

Thank you very much for the link. I will read it. The bleach method is what is being most advised to do so I will go that route. The lady did email me back and apologized for the smell. She said she is a smoker

CeeJai,

Welcome to RF !!!

Can't say I have come across this, but agree with Lorie some cleaning is in order before you put in main display.

Follow the steps in post #2 from Boomer:

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f72/bleaching-live-rock-34816/

 

[CeeJai]

I just read the thread. Sounds very easy. The last post really grossed me out. Worms is something in the hobby I am NOT looking forward to. Can Prime be used to neutralize the bleach?

 

[mfinn]

I usually use 2 cups of bleach in 5 gallons of water and let the rock soak over night.
Then use Prime at 4-5x the recommended strenght.
Then I air dry it for a few days

 

[user 26995]

If the rock smells like that, you know it is probably tar residue in the rock. I would be safe and bleach it. We don't want your fish getting cancer!

Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

 

[user 26995]

I just read the thread. Sounds very easy. The last post really grossed me out. Worms is something in the hobby I am NOT looking forward to. Can Prime be used to neutralize the bleach?

LOL you will get used to them and even come to appreciate them!
Give it time!

Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

 

[HUNTER01975]

did you smoke in the garage? if not there may have been some sort of small animal in the holes that died and now is rotting.

I was reading last night about live rock and if it is not cured before putting in the tank and how it can make your whole house smell bad. But your rock sounds dead.