Live rock help!

[mobyfish]

Help! This 75 lbs of live rock came along with a tank I bought about a month ago. From the beginning I haven't wanted to use it because of the risks associated with using rock from a strangers tank. So I tried to sell it to put the money towards a fresh set of dry rock but without any luck I can't justify buying more rock when I have a bucket full of it sitting in my garage. It has been out of water for about a month drying out in my garage. But I wouldn't want to use it unless its completely clean. But, I also really don't feel comfortable having tubs of muriatic acid laying around the house with family and pets around. I need some ideas!

 

[Muni]

So are you trying to sanitize the live rock for use or just kill it?

 

[mobyfish]

I'm more interested in killing it so I could start completely fresh

 

[Muni]

Well regardless, bleach. It kills all the critters.

Acid Eats rock. Bleach eats organics.

2-3 cups of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Soak 24 hours.

Then soak in Distilled or RO water with a large dose of your favorite dechlorination soloution

Rinse until your comfortable, air dry for a few days after.

 

[mobyfish]

Thanks! I've heard of this method before but have also heard some stuff might grow back when using just the bleach.

 

[Muni]

Thanks! I've heard of this method before but have also heard some stuff might grow back when using just the bleach.

Anything is possible. I've had success with it in the past. But not much can survive a bleach bath.


But take everything with a grain of common sense and adapt to your situation and your comfort level.

 

[twentyleagues]

Bleach will kill anything in or on the rock. Pest anenomes, algae, bugs, worms, coral, bacteria, whatever you are afraid/worried about. I've bought so many people's tanks and live rock in the past and have doNE the same thing never had a problem.

 

[mobyfish]

Thanks, I appreciate your responses!