how to clean decorations for tank rocks/corals ect.

[duhwun]

I went to a swapmeet the other day and saw some really nice dead corals. If i plan on putting them into my tank how should i clean it? I would like to ask this question for all the other things im going to put into my tank. I also got some rocks when i went camping. Is it safe to put those rocks in also?

 

[ophiura]

Where did you get the rocks and canyou figure out what kind they are? All in all, I wouldn't do the rocks from camping.
As for the corals, are they dead and all the tissue is gone, or was the coral still dying off? Keep in mind that these things will not stay clean. They'll get algae covered, and certain types of coral skeletons can accumulate a lot of detritus in the holes and stuff. Not always the best.
In general they can be cleaned by boiling, or also using a mild bleach solution and letting the soak. Be sure to rinse very well.