Prepping old rock

[scooter24]

Well I shut down my tank 4 years ago. I put the rock in a bucket with water and it set like that for 3 years (kinda forgot about it). Last summer/fall I set the rock outside to dry and left it there through the winter. I am now after 4 years going to start a tank back up again. My question is what would be the best way to prep this rock to reuse? Bake it in the oven and start the cycling process? Any input would be great.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Do not put it in the oven.

I'd jump start the cure by soaking in bleach for a week or so. The last time I did this, I used two gallons of bleach for about 50 gallons of tap water.

Do multiple rinsed with two water and allow to dry....this took about a week. No bleach smell what so ever.

Now start the standard rock cure by placing in saltwater with flow. No heat, skimmer or light is needed. Do water changes as needed ( defined by high nitrate/phosphate numbers) until N and P is in decline. This can easily take 1 - 2 months. The cycle most likely has occurred concurrently. Otherwise test that the cycle has happened.