live rock; dead out of water?

areefdream · #1 01-29-2009, 04:10 AM

I hav been looking for a tank upgrade but live in the middle of nowhere. I have come across a deal that includes live rock, but the rock has not been in water for 8 months. Will this rock become live again in salt water? If not will it harm my tank if I just use it as aquascaping rock?

fdiddy · #2 01-29-2009, 05:20 AM

Yes, it will become "live" again as long as it is seeded with some actual LR in order to get fauna transferred over.

e46er · #3 01-29-2009, 05:21 AM

well after 8 months i dont think the rock will be "live" anymore but with a piece or 2 of live rock it will once again become "live"

robzilla · #4 01-29-2009, 12:30 PM

the one you looking at is it a 75g bow front? if not, i know of someone with one for sale.

i know of a couple more tanks for sale in the area. one is a 90 g currently running and the other is an empty 120g.
let me know if you want more info.

Myka · #5 01-29-2009, 12:54 PM

Be aware that previously live rock that has died will release large amounts of phosphate and nitrates as well as other undesirable nutrients. Proper treatment of the rock by cooking (does not include a stove! haha) will make the rock usable in about 6-12 weeks. Without cooking the rock you will run into nuisance algae issues. Read the Guide in my signature for more information on cooking rock.