Anyone ever use dried up live rock?

[sjj80]

If so, is there anything I need to know before adding it to my newly set up tank? The rock has been dry for about 8 months now and I do plan on adding 20-40lbs of cured live rock after the dry rock cycles a little bit. My new set up is going to be a bare bottom sps dominant tank. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
S

 

[sjj80]

Bump.

 

[sruiz]

Yes , I have used rock that has been sitting out for a while and turned white. Just make sure you give it a good scrub before you put it in your tank. After a while it will become live rock and get covered in coraline algea as well.

 

[jonnydalejunior]

this is correct. on my last trip to the keys i loaded up my suitcases with dried up liverock. a few days of soaking in and scrubbing and they were good to go in the tank. now its all purple and has the look of living rock. i got about 120lbs of now live rock for the cost of the three old suitcases that took a very bad beating on the flight home.

 

[sjj80]

Thanks for the answers, I'll start scrubbing tommorrow

 

[oscarsdad608]

I have used it also. You can't tell the difference at all.

 

[Savas]

That is all I use. Just let it soak for a day in salt water and then scrub it; rinse it; and you are good to go.

 

[spazthecat]

I'd also recommend soaking the rock in a solution of 1/2 vinegar 1/2 water. This will help get out all of the organic crud that is stuck in the small cracks and holes. I typically will soak it over night then dump the bucket and give it a good scrub then fill the bucket up with plain water and soak it for a bit more until the vinegar smell is gone.

Andy

 

[Savas]

The vinegar idea is great. Based on what I have read, you should only use white vinegar.

 

[spazthecat]

Correct. No wine vinegars. Just plain white vinegar. The others have potentially undesirable compounds in them.

Andy

 

[Savas]

I believe that if you had a good tablespoon of baking soda to the clean rinse water after you soak it in vinegar, it makes the vinegar smell dissapate faster also.

 

[mfp4073]

Just an aside note, taking rock from florida can get you in big trouble. evan a golfball sized rock. The fish and game folks dont play with that stuff, if you are from out of state...even worse.

 

[Tommy3492]

lol just kill the vibe of the thread

 

[mfp4073]

There was a thing that happened with a local guy here. Who had the feds come to his house over him taking about a 1 lb of rock. 2 small pieces. His parents had all sorts of legal stuff to deal with. It was a real mess. Most people dont think much about it, just dont want anyone else to have to deal with it. If you do, I would not talk about it on a public forum (we think thats where the feds found out about it from).