Live rock

[jimbo8397]

Hi guys I need some help. A friend of mine gave me some live rock from his tank and every piece he gave me looks like these sandy tubes. Like worms made them. When I touch them they crumble and the rock some what smells to much like bad ocean water. Look at pic and please let me know if I should not put it in my tank as its brand new setup and do t want to screw it up. Tank is up only 2 days. Thanks for the help

 

[thegrun]

I don't see a problem using the rock if you haven't already cycled the tank. If you have already cycled the tank it is likely the die-off from the rock will start a new cycle (the smell is a good indicator there is die-off occurring).

 

[shovelrider]

If adding it to an established tank, scrub that crap off with a brush or whatnot and plop it in.
Best practice is to quarantine and monitor the ammonia, nitrate/nitrite and look for pests. But this is not always practical.