Color on dead corals?? (with pic...)

[marinenewbie]

Hi again,

A while ago I posted a thread about some dead corals my brother-in-law had brought me back from Costa Rica and whether or not they were safe to add to my tank. (I still haven't boiled them yet, nor have I added them, I'm ashamed to say...)

He's just returned from yet another trip, and has brought back another two pieces of dead coral, this time from Cozumel, Mexico. Apparently they were part of a reef which was destroyed by one of the hurricanes, and washed ashore.

I am posting because I am curious about the blue and pink colors which seem embedded in the corals. Any ideas what they are, or rather what they might have been when they were alive??

Here is a picture...hope you can see it clearly enough!

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[Avi]

It may be dead coraline algae on the "rocks." Boiling would probably be all right for you, but you can also soak it in a mild vinegar/water solution and then very thoroughly wash it with water and then soakin freshwater for a couple of days. That should get it ready for a safe addition to your tank.

 

[marinenewbie]

Ok thanks, that sounds a lot easier than boiling. (not sure I really wanted them in my pots anyways! )

The color did look like coraline to me as well, but I've never seen the blue before. Very nifty!!