Can old crushed coral be renewed?

[SnakeCharmer]

I have buckets full of old, dirty crushed coral in storage from decades of past use. Since it is becoming harder and harder to buy crushed coral these days, can I clean up what I have and reuse it?

 

[AZRipp]

I don't see why not. I would just rinse it up real good and make sure no foreign matter has made its way into your storage bins/buckets.

 

[Sharkbait HooHaHa]

I broke my tank down back in the late 90's and stored the sand / crushed coral until just a couple of years ago. I rinsed the sand and dried it before storing it. Then I rinsed it again when I took it out of storage. I put it in the new set up and let it cycle. I haven't had any problems from that.

 

[SnakeCharmer]

What if it is discolored? Can I bleach it like I do with decorative coral pieces to brighten it up?

 

[SnakeCharmer]

What if it is discolored? Can I bleach it the same way I do with decorative pieces of coral to brighten it up?

 

[KrisReef]

What if it is discolored? Can I bleach it the same way I do with decorative pieces of coral to brighten it up?

Yes.

 

[AZRipp]

What if it is discolored? Can I bleach it the same way I do with decorative pieces of coral to brighten it up?

Yep, my most recent build I killed all the live rock with bleaching, then sun bleaching, and finally back into the tank (no more pests). Just be sure the crushed coral is very well rinsed and I would let it thorougly sun dry. This will help ensure any bleach is blown off long before you put it in the tank.

 

[Cment]

Yes you can soak it in bleach for a day or 2 then soak in RO/DI water if youd like with some Prime then let dry. Bleach breaks down into salt and water when fully dried so its safe to use after. I would caution the use of crushed coral bc of its ability to really become a detritus trap. IMO, if you use it, then youll really need to stay on top of regularly cleaning it.