Rock from freshwater tank to saltwater tank

[Ariel110G]

So im getting some pices of rock / dead coral from this guy that had them in a freshwater tank for a long time, what do I need to do to get them ready for my salt water tank, I was thinking of leting them be in RO/DI water for some time.

 

[akma]

I would bleach them or soak them in vinegar.

 

[FlyTekk]

More times than not, freshwater rock did not originate from a reef. So it usuall is dense. Reef rock is usually made up of dead coral skeleton and fused together by calcium.... These rocks have many nooks and crannys and is very porous. Bacteria can grow much much more inside of reef rock than it can on the outside of a dense rock. All you would be doing is displacing water. Also used rock may have organics built up in or on it. I wouldnt use it at all.

 

[Ariel110G]

Well...

Well one of them is a dead coral branch it a nice one

 

[FlyTekk]

Im surprised he had that in freshwater. Thought it would dissolve somewhat after years. Was it a brackish tank?

 

[Ariel110G]

Picture

 

[FlyTekk]

The rocks on the right are as useful as pvc pipe or a plastic cup to give hiding places for fish. Actually the rocks are worse cause they displace more water. The rock on the left looks loaded with organics to me. Gonna do a number on your skimmer/carbon. You might be able to cycle your tank with that thing. :0)

If your gonna use this (dont!!!!) i would dip in vinegar and then run in saltwater with pump no light for a few weeks. If you can run a skimmer and/or carbon even better. But to me..... too much hassle for one rock.

Instead you can get the same rock, loaded with beneficial life without all the hassel.

 

[Ariel110G]

Tanks

Thanks for the help FlyTekk