outside rock structure

[dolphinman213]

i hope i am in the right forum, i have been reading tons of opinions pertaining to using rocks from outside---quite a few say as long as you bleach it then boil or bake it, some say no way---but a lot says that if it bubbles when you add vinegar to it---DONT USE IT.---but that last statement makes no sense to me. i have used a lot of base rock that was left outside for months, and i and some others have used once live rock from outside, so if what some are saying, that if it has carbonates in it--DONT USE IT, but doesn't beach shore rocks and once live rock have carbonates in it, yet we use them?

 

[discocarp]

The vinegar/bubbling advice is for freshwater not saltwater.

Exactly what rocks are you thinking of using? Personally I wouldn't chance random outside rocks, but if you are talking about dead rock intended for reef tanks then there is no issue.

 

[dolphinman213]

well i have this structure that was once used in a freshwater tank 3 years ago--it has good pieces of old reef rock, old snail shells and held together with cement---it really looks good, and could pass for a live rock piece---i have been soaking it for 3 days in bleach, and will boil it in another 2 two days, then soak it in ro water for 3 days then dry on the porch for 3 days---what do you think

 

[discocarp]

If it is just reef rock and cement, and hasn't had any contaminants introduced since it was removed, it ought to be just fine. You might have some phosphate problems with it, but I'd use it. I think the boiling is not needed after the bleach treatment. Might be worth checking for phosphates after soaking it a bit.

 

[sirreal63]

What medications were used in the tank when it was freshwater?

 

[dolphinman213]

none--but it has been outside for 3 yrs

 

[sirreal63]

I had to ask, it is normal to treat FW fish for ich and most of those meds have copper in them, copper and corals do not work out. Being outside presents other issues, airborne pollutants, pesticides etc. If it were me, I would give it an acid bath as well. Vinegar works well to help remove the outer layer of the rock which is where any contaminants and PO4 will be.

 

[dolphinman213]

can anyone else give their opinion?

 

[mlehman]

I`m in Cape coral and have used outside rocks..I soaked the for a couple days in vinegar, then fresh water for about a week..They have been in my tank for about 3 months

sorry for the crappy cell phone picture