Turning LR to Base Rock

Discussion in 'Live Rock' started by Zero_Dude, Apr 6, 2014.

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  1. Zero_Dude

    Zero_Dude Fire Shrimp

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    I'm not having any luck getting rid of my live rock, so I'm just going to turn it back to "dead" rock and store it, that way I can shut down my tank. My only concern is.. I can't kill the snails/brittle stars in the rock. Is there a way to get the all off/out of the rock before I start the process?
     
    Zero_Dude, Apr 6, 2014
    Zero_Dude, Apr 6, 2014
    #1

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  2. kstafford003

    kstafford003 Feather Star

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    I wished you lived in my town so I could get the brittle stars from you. I really like the mini brittle stars. But honestly I don't think it's possible to get the fauna out of the rocks. Maybe a good shaking underwater but these creatures are built to resist being dislodged by water. Hopefully someone else will have a better idea.
     
    kstafford003, Apr 7, 2014
    kstafford003, Apr 7, 2014
    #2
  3. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    You'll be sacrifycing something- the bacteria, the other critters, good luck.

    When you're ready I'd soak it in a bleach solution, maybe 1/2-1 cup per gallon of tap?
    Outdoors! Then after a few days, spray wash with high pressure hose, garden hose with nozzle, etc- again outdoors, then dry thoroughly- out doors, then store the white base rock?
     
    Todd_Sails, Apr 7, 2014
    Todd_Sails, Apr 7, 2014
    #3
  4. PghSteeler

    PghSteeler Tassled File Fish

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    Dont worry abotu it. Unless you have nitrate or phosphate issues you are already dealing with than leaving the little critters in there will help start the cycle when you go to use the rock again in the future instead of havign to add shrimp tot he tank.
     
    PghSteeler, Apr 7, 2014
    PghSteeler, Apr 7, 2014
    #4
  5. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I remember reading one member mentioning to put rock into very low salinity water and that that can help get some critters to come out. Not sure if it works but it sure makes sense and is worth a try!
     
    oldfishkeeper, Apr 7, 2014
    oldfishkeeper, Apr 7, 2014
    #5
  6. Zero_Dude

    Zero_Dude Fire Shrimp

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    Thanks for the suggestions! But I decided to just put an ad to give away the live stuff for free. I want it gone! It's just a burden now :p
     
    Zero_Dude, Apr 17, 2014
    Zero_Dude, Apr 17, 2014
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  7. JohnnyBoy

    JohnnyBoy Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I had to do the same when I shut down my 75 reef but truthfully, there will be casualties. There is just some that hid a bit too good. I just started soaking the rock in saltwater 3 days ago after 3 years in storage and all the debri falling out of them is floating to the top and sinking to the bottom and i could see that it was from the leftover critters on board the rock when they were left to dry.
     
    JohnnyBoy, Apr 18, 2014
    JohnnyBoy, Apr 18, 2014
    #7
  8. Zero_Dude

    Zero_Dude Fire Shrimp

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    Finally got rid of the live stuff last night
     
    Zero_Dude, Apr 20, 2014
    Zero_Dude, Apr 20, 2014
    #8