Live/Dry Rock Question

[blane1983]

I have some rock that was in an established tank for two years but was taken out due to moving and was out of water for two weeks. My question is what is the process for me to be able to use this rock again. Ive read articles on "seeding" but im not sure this is what i need to do. Im fairly new to SW so any help would be appreciated.

[RICKY81]

I have some rock that was in an established tank for two years but was taken out due to moving and was out of water for two weeks. My question is what is the process for me to be able to use this rock again. Ive read articles on "seeding" but im not sure this is what i need to do. Im fairly new to SW so any help would be appreciated.


the fact of the rock being out of the water has probably caused some die off on the rock so you should try to cure it again, meaning place it in a tub with saltwater and a good filter or skimmer for about 4 weeks or so, or until the rock doesn't smell that bad anymore, that is to help it get all that dead stuff of the rock. if you don't do this it is bound to mess up your entire water parameters.

as far as seeding it to my understanding, i think it will do ok but, i think that you seed the tank and not the rock...that is just my .02 cents.

[JoshOdphi]

i second that....yea jus make sure u get that dieoff washed off thoroughly...u can take a toothbrush to it..and scub the nooks and crannies...u can also put a powerhead to the rock while its in water to get waterflow through all the holes in the rocks...try to get everything off the rock...know wut i mean...

[txav8r]

After being out of the water for two weeks, I don't think you have "live" rock anymore. I would consider bleaching or baking the rock followed by several fresh water rinses and soaks. The rock will become live again after a short time in your tank.

[cbianco]

After being out of the water for two weeks, I don't think you have "live" rock anymore. I would consider bleaching or baking the rock followed by several fresh water rinses and soaks. The rock will become live again after a short time in your tank.

+1

When seeding, I would get 1 or 2 pieces of established live rock and add them to the tank.

Christopher

[uriah]

You can also bake the rock by leaving it out in the sun for a few days, followed by a shorter curing process. That is a little faster and you know the rock is ready when it is all white.

[uriah]

I would consider bleaching or baking the rock followed by several fresh water rinses and soaks.

Sorry, overlooked your post; beat me to it!

[blane1983]

Sorry, overlooked your post; beat me to it!
how long will all of this take before i can put it in my tank? how do i bleach? times for each step? and also how long should i run this rock in the tank prior to adding any fish or coral. i have patience but also want to get this done. thanks for all the help

[txav8r]

Search "cooking" or "nuke" in this forum. There is a lot of good info on this.

Here is one from LoneStar
http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=52192&highlight=cooking

[txav8r]

Another good one here by Bstreep

http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=53255