How to remove any pests from live rock before introducing into new tank?

BigWillStyle · Apr 24, 2023

I am starting a 2nd tank and would like to move some of the aquascape and help it cycle faster. My only issue is that my fully cycled original tank has seen its ups and downs and has a flatworm or two and some pineapple sponges and other undesirables. Is there a way to "dip" my live rock like my coral to remove all the pests? Any tricks for removing pests but keeping the good bacteria/algae?

Slocke · Apr 24, 2023

You can dip using any pest dip you just need a good amount of dip and a big enough bucket. Also pineapple sponges are not pests but a good snack for fish like angelfish!

KKY · Apr 24, 2023

I heard people ‘cure’ live rock by putting it in a dark container add heater and pump, let it sit for maybe couple month, so to starve any hitchhikers to death.

BigWillStyle · Apr 25, 2023

Slocke said:
You can dip using any pest dip you just need a good amount of dip and a big enough bucket. Also pineapple sponges are not pests but a good snack for fish like angelfish!

Does dip kill the good bacteria that in harbored in the rock?

zoomonster · Apr 25, 2023

I have a fresh batch of Aussie coming soon. IME many of the hitchhikers will die in transit or be found in the bottom of the shipping box in any remaining water. After that just setting up a container with pump, heater, light and letting it cook a while. I'll likely cheat and use a bottle of bacteria for a quick cycle but when the container spikes ammonia and nitrites it will likely kill a lot of stuff. It really depends on the condition of the rock when I get it i.e. already decaying or not. Beyond that point it remains to be seen but stuff can be picked off and worst case dipped. Don't think CoralRx kills most critters but makes them jump ship. Bacteria not sure.