Should I take this out?

[sexyshrimp101]

I got some base rock from my dad (was live rock until he quit the hobby) and decided to use it in my tank. I was looking at one of the pieces today, and it almost looks like it is rusting or something. The spots that look like a dark red almost black color also look like they are almost decaying or something as well. Should I be worried and take it out or should I just leave it alone? If I do have to take it out, can I get another piece of live rock from the lfs without it causing another cycle (I have an emerald crab, a cleaner shrimp, and 15 nassarius snails)? Thanks in advance

 

[alix2.0]

i would take it out and put it in a QT until you figure out what it is. and yes you can get another rock and add it directly to the tank as long as its cured.

 

[sexyshrimp101]

This is what it looks like...

I was thinking I should take it out too, I was just hoping I would be able to replace it with lr since the piece I would be taking out is holding up other pieces.

 

[alix2.0]

actually i used to have some of that on my LR when it was new, i just figured it was some kind of algae and left it in the tank. my rock has colored up since then, so i have no idea if its still there. i hope someone else knows what it is!
anyways, i left it in my tank with no ill effects, so i think your probably OK to leave it in.

 

[jrthomas40]

if the rock was dried out for a while and you rinsed it off before putting it in the tank it will be fine

 

[sexyshrimp101]

We ran some RO/DI water over it and in the holes. It had been dried out for about 2 years.

 

[lexluethar]

I think your fine, if it was dried out it should be safe. It looks like a type of algea.

 

[reef diver]

Sometimes the chemicals that decomposers release can stain a rock like that when it has been left out to dry.

 

[renogaw]

yea, it sticks around also until covered by coralline. i have it as well and thought it was rust but it isnt