Rock from Bahamas; How to Cure?

Wills Gills · Mar 5, 2016

I have an established 36g reef with three fish in it and I just brought a few rocks back from the Bahamas. I was hoping to put some of this natural rock in my tank but I definitely want to avoid an algae outbreak or a spike in nitrites, nitrates, etc. If anyone has tips on how to cure please let me know. Thanks!

dbl · Mar 6, 2016

I'm assuming it dried out during your travels. If so, I personally would give it a vinegar bath for a day or two to kill off any remaining nasties. If it was heavily covered in life before drying out, you may want to consider a muratic acid bath to make sure.

In either case, rinse well afterwards, then add it to a tub of saltwater, with a powerhead for circulation, and a heater if needed. Let it soak (cure) for 2-3 weeks or more and it should be good to go into your display.

Wills Gills · Mar 6, 2016

Thanks for the advice! I can't wait to get them in!

dbl said:
I'm assuming it dried out during your travels. If so, I personally would give it a vinegar bath for a day or two to kill off any remaining nasties. If it was heavily covered in life before drying out, you may want to consider a muratic acid bath to make sure.

In either case, rinse well afterwards, then add it to a tub of saltwater, with a powerhead for circulation, and a heater if needed. Let it soak (cure) for 2-3 weeks or more and it should be good to go into your display.