Adding more rock

[DracoKat]

Hi all,

I am thinking about adding more rock to my tank. probably into the sump and some in the display to make one of the islands taller.

The rock I am getting are from a local reefer who closed down their tank. The rocks are presently in a bucket with seran wrap on it to keep it moist (I haven't personally seen the rocks, he sent me a photo).

Should I let the rocks dry completely before putting in my tank? or just toss them in? (of course, inspecting first of pests).

Any suggestions?

 

[Tahoe61]

If the rock has been in an established system long term you may want to acid wash it to rule out the possibility of unwanted phosphates.
Until you see the rock submerged (many times you can not see pest on moist rock, it's got to submerged for awhile), I would wait to make a plan.
Personally I would not put any rock in my tank if that rock was in a tank and not re-cured.

 

[DracoKat]

thanks, are there any guides to acid-washing the rocks?

 

[tthouston]

thanks, are there any guides to acid-washing the rocks?

This is my way to bleach the rocks.
1- 50/50 or 40/60 bleach and tap water in the bucket and leave the rocks in there for a few days.
2- Wash the rocks with tap water and leave the rocks with tap water a few day, water change everday is the best.
3- Leave the rocks under the SUN couple weeks.
4- Wash the rocks with ro/di water before cure the rocks.

 

[Tahoe61]

thanks, are there any guides to acid-washing the rocks?

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/to-acid-wash-rock-or-not-that-is-the-question.254018/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-clean-old-rock-before-put-in-the-tank.209008/#post-2392229

 

[WVNed]

Wouldnt it be easier to go but some dry rock?

 

[DracoKat]

Wouldnt it be easier to go but some dry rock?

after reading up, yes, it'll be easier to buy dry, and I think I'll spend the extra money to do so.

 

[Dburr1014]

If it's been in a system for 10 plus years, yes boric acid wash. That is what releases the phosphates.
Less than 10, I would use as is.

 

[RCS82]

I think there is a few variables here. If your current tank is pest free and immaculate as far as rock is concerned, I would do the bleach/acid, rinse, dry and cure approach and not risk introducing anything to the tank. If you have some aptasia or vermatid snails and not too worried what you introduce then a quick rinse in RODI water to get rid of the die off would be good. That's also if you are just adding a small amount of rock. Adding 50 lbs of rock to a 75 gallon is different than adding 30 lbs of rock to a 300 gallon.
Just a few things I would be thinking about here.

 

[DracoKat]

thanks all!

I decided it wasn't worth the work, especially that I am in a condo without my own yard to do things. I don't want my cats getting at the acid either.

Decided to spend the extra money to get dry rock for sanity's sake!