Caribsea Life Rock - Need to Sterilize?

[JohnPH]

I have some chunks of Caribsea Life Rock from an old aquarium that have been in my shed for about 18 months. I want to add some of them back into my current tank but wondering if I need to sterilize them at all? Was thinking of boiling them for a few minutes to get rid of any nasties that might be on them. Is that a good plan, overkill or should I be doing anything else??

Thanks

 

[MnFish1]

I have some chunks of Caribsea Life Rock from an old aquarium that have been in my shed for about 18 months. I want to add some of them back into my current tank but wondering if I need to sterilize them at all? Was thinking of boiling them for a few minutes to get rid of any nasties that might be on them. Is that a good plan, overkill or should I be doing anything else??

Thanks

Never boil rock - there can be toxins released (though unlikely after 18 months). But - they can crack, explode, etc. If you wanted to sterilize them - you can use a bleach solution - soak - overnight - then rinse, then place in a bucket (or something) - adding a high dose of sodium thiosulfate. Don't use scented bleach!!!!

All of that said - I would just put them in your tank and do nothing - you might want to rinse them off.

 

[Spare time]

I would just rinse them. If they were in a tank previously, consider curing them in a bucket to let phosphates leach out or decayed matter break down.

 

[JohnPH]

OK thanks guys - so you think best solution is to just let them sit in some salt water for a few day?