would this work?

[justchad]

I want to start aquascaping a new tank with old dry rock and was wondering if I
1, soak the rock in bleach and water
2, put it in a oven to heat it up and dry it out
3, drill rock and install plastic rods

would i be ok? Years ago I had a fish only tank(back when i thought it was cool to have white rock) I would bleach the rock and then let it sit in the sun for a few days before returning it to the tank. I never lost any fish but just wanted some opinions from some members. Has anyone tried this, or is there a better way? :-\ ???

 

[panmanmatt]

I've bleached rock and then soaked it in a dechlorinator for a few days and had no trouble using it. I've never tried putting it in the oven to dry it out though.

 

[JRWOHLER]

If your wife doesn't kill you the fumes might...I wouldn't bake it.

 

[concept3]

why not soak the rock in old tank water with a pump for a week or two to jump start the curing process? This should also lessen the toxins (if present) in the rock through diffusion. I would change the water every few days with siphoned tank water. Perfect excuse for a water change too!

I wouldn't bake it, it smells, and yes, I've done that before. What were your thoughts on baking it? Dry it up faster?

 

[justchad]

why not soak the rock in old tank water with a pump for a week or two to jump start the curing process? This should also lessen the toxins (if present) in the rock through diffusion. I would change the water every few days with siphoned tank water. Perfect excuse for a water change too!

I wouldn't bake it, it smells, and yes, I've done that before. What were your thoughts on baking it? Dry it up faster?

... the heat would make the chlorine(bleach) dissipate faster

 

[panmanmatt]

Leave the rock out in the air and the chlorine will dissipate in about 24-36 hours.

 

[NJ_ychung1]

what's plastic rods for. for my own education...

 

[panmanmatt]

You drill the rocks and insert plastic rods to lock them together.

 

[NJ_ychung1]

cool. i didn't know until now. i guess it prevents an avalanche and potential water hazard. i am still learning.

thx

 

[Danw]

Ive bleached my rock and then let it sit out in the sun and dry up and then put it in a bucket with saltwater(from the water change i just did) and let it circulate with a powerhead for a week or two and then put it back in my tank and had no problems. Also you said a new tank? if you have nothing in the tank then you can just put it in and it will help your tank go through its cycle.