Ive come across some free LR but need to know what to do to not have a spike.

[dut]

Work buddy is selling his tank and told me that I can have his rock and sand. He said its 50lbs of rock which looks about right. There hasnt been any inhabitants in the tank for around 6 months now and in that same time the rock has just been sitting in a tank with saltwater and sand. I went and looked at it and its fully submerged, though I have no idea of the salinity or anything of the tank, but Im sure it cant be healthy. No power of any kind is going to the tank, just sand rock and water.
If I test the water in his tank and its free of ammonia or anything would it be safe to add it straight to my tank? What could possible die off that hasnt in this amount of time? Would it be safer to try and recure it?
I have a rubbermaid container that would be able to submerge all of the rock and sand in, if I need to try and recycle it. Do I just put the rock in the container with heater and powerhead and test it as if I was the rubbermaid? When its cycled I could go directly from that to the main tank, correct?
Sorry for long post and any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dut]

Bump?

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Dut
Work buddy is selling his tank and told me that I can have his rock and sand. He said its 50lbs of rock which looks about right. There hasnt been any inhabitants in the tank for around 6 months now and in that same time the rock has just been sitting in a tank with saltwater and sand. I went and looked at it and its fully submerged, though I have no idea of the salinity or anything of the tank, but Im sure it cant be healthy. No power of any kind is going to the tank, just sand rock and water.
If I test the water in his tank and its free of ammonia or anything would it be safe to add it straight to my tank? What could possible die off that hasnt in this amount of time? Would it be safer to try and recure it?
I have a rubbermaid container that would be able to submerge all of the rock and sand in, if I need to try and recycle it. Do I just put the rock in the container with heater and powerhead and test it as if I was the rubbermaid? When its cycled I could go directly from that to the main tank, correct?
Sorry for long post and any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Put it in the rubbermaid with a heater and a powerhead for a week and see if you get any spikes. If all stays zero then it is safe to transfer into your main tank.

 

[teviesfish]

omg this is a must do... i skiped it once and BIG mistake. I did water changed everyday for a week to stay caught up. But .. on the bright side my arms are stronger... wait.. that was my hubby carring buckets LOL

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
Put it in the rubbermaid with a heater and a powerhead for a week and see if you get any spikes. If all stays zero then it is safe to transfer into your main tank.
I agree. Safest way I think. hey it's free. Ha! Even buying a container, powerhead and cheapo heater is still alot cheaper then trying to buy the rock.

 

[poniegirl]

Oh yes, definitely accept.
And also, I agree, heater, powerhead and a test kit.

I would even let the rubbermaid set (with heater and PH) through a few water changes, for peace of mind.